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DISCOURSE,

DELIVERED ON THE ANNIVERSARY

OP THE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN,

JUNE, 1831.

PUBIiISI»:gD BY REQUEST.

BY HENRY WHITING.

'•'

Detroit:

PRINTED BY GEO. L. WHITNEY,
1831,

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EXTRACT PHOM THE MINUTES OF THE SOCIETY.

^ ,. July 7, 1831.

On motion of Mr. Ward,

«eso/«erf, That there be a committee of three to request of Major
Whitmg, a copy for publicaUon, of the discourse delivered by him on the
last anmversary of the Society; in which were happily combined many
historical facts, illustrative of the military operations in the Territory, and
just views of the character and conduct of the principal actors.

Resolved, That the committee be authorised to contract for its publica-
tion. '^

Messrs. Ward, Porter, and Lyon, were appointed that committee.

ADDRESS.

Gentlemen of the Histomcal Society :

The first settlement, and early history of Michitran
have already been detailed by one of my predecessors •'
I shall therefore begin at a later period, and reviewing
such events of character and importance as have had an
mfluence on its destiny, trace them down to the close of
the late war.

The treaty of 1783, which terminated the war of the
Revolution, included Michigan within the boundaries of
the United States. It continued, however, under the
dominion of Great Britain for some years after that date.
But, preparatory to taking possession r it, and in order
to avoid collision with the Indian triod which owned
the soil, a treaty was held with them by General Clark
at Fort M'Intosh, in 1785, by which they ceded their
title to all lands lying within a line drawn from the mouth
of the river Raisin, to a point six miles above, and thence
runnmg at that distance from the shore of Lake Erie and
the river Detroit, until it should strike Lake St. Clair.

4 6

At Fort Ilanmnr, two ynars subscqiionfly, the Island ot
Michillimackiiiac, with a circumference of twelve miles,
was ceded in the same manner.

But the Territory thus secured by a treaty with Great
JJritain, and with the Indian tribes of which we had thus
established an amicable understanding, was many years
scquestorcd from our possession. The cause, as well as
the general consequences, of this international difficulty,
arc familiar to every reader of history, and do not come
within the scope of this address. But the intimate relation
® which General Wayne's campaign of 1794 had with the

formal surrender of the country to its rightful proprietor,
makes it an essential part of the history, which it is the
object of this society to embody. His operations were
beyond the boundary of Michigan, but the results may
be said to have determined its subsequent destiny.

Towards the close of the year 1793, General Wayne"
rc-occupied the ground which had been rendered memo-
rable by the disastrous defeat of St. Clair, three years
before, and there built a stockade work, which was
significantly called Fort Recovery. While engaged in
this labor, he offered a small reward for every human
skull which should be found on the battle ground. More
than five hundred of these relics of carnage arc said to
have been collected, and entombed beneath one of the
# Block-Houses of the work.

Leaving a suitable garrison at Fort Recovery, General
Wayne returned to Fort Jefferson, and wintered there
with the main body of his army. He had already been
admonished that an active, dexterous and powerful ene-
my was in the wilderness surrounding him ; for, while

^P * Foi- tlie principal details of General Wayne's campaign, I am mainly

indebted to a Manuscript Journal of Brigadier General Brady, of the
United States Army, who began his long and serviceable iuid honorable
military career, as a Lieutenant, in that campaign.

^ *

•

advancmpr towai-<ls Fori Joircrsoii, his rear guard liad
been attacked and entirely discomfited. Jii June 1791,
l>efore tlie army liad Iclt its winter qiiaitcrs, a detachment!
which had been to Fort Kccovery as an escort of pro-
visions, foil into an ambush of Indians about a mile from
the Fort, and was driven back with great loss ; the victors
continuing the pursuit to the very gates, which they
endeavored to enter with the fugitives.

On the 4th of July, 1794, General Wayne began his
march from Fort Recovery, and took up the track of the
Indians, who had left it obviously mai'ked in their rear,
either from the haste with which they made it, or, what
is more probable, because they were desirous of luring
him still farther into the recesses of the wilderness. At
the crossing of the St. Mary's river. Fort Adams was
built ; and during the halt there, a man belonging to the
Contractor's Department, deserted to the Indians, and
carried to them the infoimation of the movements oi"
the army. In consecjueacc of this notice. General Wavne,
when he arrived at the confluence of the Anglaise with
the? Maumcc, found their villages abandoned. Several
days were spent at this place in building Fort Defiance,
and awaiting the return of a small party of spies, which,
under the direction of Captain Wells, had been sent
forward to reconnoitre the enemy. This skillful and
intrepid warrior of the woods, led his party within so
siiort a distance of the British works, as to ascertain that
the Indians were encamped under its protection. He
took one or two prisoners, and made a bold though
unsucc v^ful attempt on a camp of warriors in the night,
in which he was wounded. Soon after his return, the
army moved slowly and cautiously down the left bank
of the Maumee. During the march, General Wayne
despatched messengers of peace to the Indians, in the

liopc thnt n hattlo might still he nvouiod. On the IfUh
of August, he reached the Knpids, nhout lour miles above
the British Post. He there erected a small work lor the
protection of his baggage und stores, and on the 20th
again advanced.

The British post had been occupied by a garrison
sent from Detroit the previous spring. There could be
no misapprehension of the motives which led to this
occupation, taking place as it did, several years after the
treaty by which the country had been ceded »o the United
States, and at a time, too, when the angry id protracted
negociation of several years, relating to it, was supposed
to be about to terminate in an open rupture. The Indians
were all decidedly friendly to the British. With the
jealousy natural to wc nkness, thoy were always prone to
array themselves against the power which most directly
pressed upon their destinies, and which thev thought
most likely to affect them injuriously. The British were
fully aware of this feeling, which their agents were
zealously active to excite and foster. They saw in it
the means of crippling the growth of a young rival, who
was stretching out into the west with giant strides, and
trampling down the forests on every side. The country
had been ceded and secured by a treaty still in force ;
but new negociations were then going on under the
mfluence of several disastrous defeats, and as the Indians
demanded an independent dominion over the country in
dispute, the British government might expect that a
surrender, so desirable to them, would at last bo granted. '
A proposition of a similar character was made by the
same government towards the close of the last war. The
entire independence of the Indians occupying a wide
belt on our north-western frontiers, was formally and
seriously demanded, as one of the conditions oi peace.

As long as the forinidahic coalition of trihcs which
Goncrnl Wayne found in arms, should continue; united
and hostile, it was evident that the British pretensions
and hopes would remain. It was therefore, of groat
moment with General Wayne, and with his country, that
his present steps should be taken with the utmost pru-
dence. A new defeat, like that which had terminated
almost every previous campaign, would have proved,
not only destructive to his army, so fur advanced in the
wilderness, but probably decided the British to openly
espouse the cause of the Indians. General Wayne, in
the present case, could feel no assurance that this cause
would not then be sustained by such co-operation as the
Fort and Garrison could afford. Indeed, the position of
the Indians, under the walls of the Fort, rendered it
probable that such a course had been determined on. In
that event, it is said that General Wayne had instiu^uons
to act offensively against the Post. There does not,
however, appear to be any testimony to this surmise on
record. But it is not necessary ; for under such circum-
stances, no other authority would have been required,
than the ordinary and acknowledged rules of warfare!
If the British garrison had been found by Gen'l Wayne
actually co-operating with the Indians, it would at once
have become equally obnoxious with them to his hostility,
and as legitimate an object of attack.

General Wayne had about three thousand men under
his command, and the Indians arc computed lo have been
equally numerous. This is not improbable, as the hostile
league embraced the whole North- Western frontier. As
he approached the position of the enemy, he sent forward
a battalion of momitcd riflemen, which was ordered, in
case of an attack, to malx *) retreat in feigned confusion,
in order to draw the Indians on more disadvantageous

]()

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•

i>roiin(l. As was anlicipalod, llus advance soon met the
enemy, and heing tired on, (ell back, and was warmly
jjursued lownrds the main body,

Tiic morning wns rainy, and the drums could not
communicate the concerted signals with sufficient dis-
tinctness. A plan ol turning ihe right flank of the Indians
was not therefore fulfilled. But tiie victory was complete,
the whole Indian line, after a severe contest, giving way,
and flying in disorder. About one hundred savages were
killed.

During the action and subsequently, while General
Wayne remained in the vicinity of the British, there did
not appear to be any intercourse between the garrison
and the savages. The gates were kept shut against
them, and their route and slaughter were witnessed from
the walls with apparent unconcern, and without ofl'ering
any interposition or assistance. After the battle, Gen.
Wayne devastated all the fields, and burnt all the dwell-
ings around the Fort, some of tiiem immediately under
tlic walls. The house of Col. M'Kee, an Indian trader,
who was supposed to have exercised great influence
over the Indians, was reduced to ashes in the general
conflagration. During this work of desolation, a cor-
respondence took place between General Wayne and
Major Campbell, the British commandant, which inevita-
bly assumed a somewhat belligerent character : but the
l^rudent forbearance of the latter, who concluded not to
extend his interference beyond remonstrance, averted an
attack on himself, which would have followed any more
serious or efficacious opposition.

That the Indians did not expect to find such luke-
warmness in their Anglo-friends, and even that they
regarded the Fort as a refugs in case of misfortune, is
probable from the circumstances of the case, and rendered

almost unquestionable, by the well known rcproaclroi
Tcciimsch, in his celebrated speech to General Proctor,
'ioon after Perry's victory in 1813,

After remaining in the neighljorhoofl of the Fort three
<lays, General Wayne retired by easy marches, to Fort
Defiance, destroying the Indian corn-fields, which were
spread over the rich bottoms of the Maumee, in his
progress. This measure of stern hostility, was justified
by the probability, that fear of famine would be a powerful
auxiliary in producing peace. The morning before the
army made this retrograde movement, General Wayne,
after arranging his force in such a manner as to show
that they were all on the alert, advanced with his
numerous staff and a small body of cavalry, to the glacis
of the Rritish Post, reconnoitering it with great delibera-
tion, - .ic the garrison was seen with matches lighted,
and all prepared for any cme-gency. It is said that
General Wayne's party overheard one of the British
subordinate officers, who appealed to Major Campbell
for permission to fire on the cavalcade, and avenge such
an insulting parade under his Majesty's guns. "^But it
appears that the British commandant restrained h" 5 loyal
indignation, and sufllered the American General to retire
unharmed from a reconnoisance, which, had it encounter-
ed less forbearance, might have given a new proof how
truly he merited the popular name of " mad Anthony."
Leaving Major Hunt in command of Fort Defiance,
General Wayne moved still higher up the river to the
old Miami towns, where he built Fort Wayne. Col.
Ilamtramck was left at this Post, and General Wayne
returned with the main body of the army to Greenville.
The campaign lasted about three months, and resulted
in a most signal overthrow of the Indians, and, what
was perhaps of more importance to the future peace oC

! f F

the country — of the insidious schemes of tlic BritisJi
Government. Several posts were estabhshcd in tlie hos-
tile region, securing the ground which had been gained,
and admonishing the Indians that it would bo prudent to
submit to a power which had gained an ascendency over
them too formidable to be resisted.

The treaty of Greenville was not concluded until the
following August ; but it does not appear that any active
hostilities troubled the frontiers during the intermediate
period. Jay's treaty, which adjusted our difficulties with
Great Britain, at least as far as related to the Indian
country, had occurred in the mean time, and, leaving the
tribes little or no hope of foreign co-operation, disposed
them to a general peace.

The articles of the treaty of Greenville which relates
to Michigan, recapitulated with some enlargement, the
•substance of the previous treaties. The belt, or strip, of
six miles width, reaching from the river Raisin to Lake
St. Clair, and several local cessions, still confined the
scope for a white population to within very narrow
limits. But the most sanguine mind did not probably
then anticipate the time when there would be a necessi-
ty to enlarge that scope. The country had been deemed
important for military occupation, and for the fur trade ;
it was still regarded in no other light ; and the wildest
prophesy did not venture to predict a more exalted
destiny. ,

Between the ratification and execution of Jay's treaty,
a scheme, most vitally affecting the fortunes of Michigan,
was concerted between two or three adventurous pro-
jectors from the States, and a number of merchants or
traders at Detroit, which, although eventuating in a fail-
ure, was too ambitious and exorbitant, not to deserve a
record among the singular incident • tli^t marked its early

the British
in the hos-
len gained,
prudent to
lency over

d until the
any active
ermediate
ulties with
the Indian
eaving the
I, disposed

ch relates
inent, the
>r strip, of
u tcLake
nfined the
y narrow
probably
a necessi-
n deemed
fur trade ;
ic wildest
e exalted

y's treaty,
Michigan,
irous pro-
chants or
in a fail-
leserve a
1 its early

^ 18

history. During the session of Congress held in 1795,
Robert Randall of Pennsylvania, and Charles Whitney
of Vermont, were taken into custody by the House, for
« an unwarrantable attempt to corrupt the integrity of
its members." This Robert Randall, in pursuit of some
object in which he failed, visited Detroit, where his
inventive genius unfolded to him a new and more mag-
nificent plan of improving his fortunes. In conjunction
with Charles Whitney, and one other person, he entered
into an agreement with seven merchants residing at or
near Detroit, by which the parties bound themselves to
obtain a preemption right from the United States, of a
certain Territory therein defined, which was to be af-
terwards purchased of the Indians, this Territory
contained, as it was conjectured, from eighteen to twenty
thousand acres, and was embraced by the Lakes Erie,
Huron, and Michigan. Six members of Congress
deposed before that body, that Randall and Whitney had,
at several times and places, unfolded to them their
scheme, by which it appeared that the Territory in
question was to be divided into forty-one shares, five of
which were to belong to the traders at Detroit, who were
parties to the agreement,— six to be appropriated to Ran-
dall and his associates,~and the other twenty-four to be
equally divided between such northern and southern
members of Congress, as should by their votes or exer-
tions, secure the enactment of the law necessary to pro-
mote the project. The amount proposed to be paid to
the United States for the right to make this purchase of
the Indians, was from a half to a million of dollars. The
merchants who were associated, were represented to
have such influence over the Indians, as to render feasible
the purchase of their title to the soil. To the suggestion
made by some of the members, that the late treaty oppo-

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setl ii har, as it reserved to the United States exclusively
this preemption right, it v^as alleged that the Indians
were dissatisfied with the terms of the treaty, and would
not abide by them ; and that this plan would appease
them, and secure tranquility throughout that section of
the country.

The more particular details of this extraordinary pro-
ject, are recorded in the Journal of the House of Repre-
sentatives, by which it appears that, after having been
kept in custody some time, and subjected to an examina-
tion at the bar of the House, Whitney was discharged
without punishment, while Randall received a public
reprimand fr^ the Speaker, and was obliged to pay the
fees which hm accrued in his case.

It would be useless to hazard conjectures as to the
effect which a more successful prosecution of this enter-
prise would have had on the fortunes of this Territory.
Falling under the control of a few large proprietors, the
progress of settlement might have been accelerated or
retarded, according to the ability with which it was
conducted. The state of weakness and pupilage, which
kept the wilderness of Michigan intact and intangible
for more than twenty years, might have been suddenly
converted into a vigorous growth of population, by the
active management of an association, deeply interested
in its advancement and prosperity; or, what is more
probable, the immigration which has been within a few
years flowing into the Peninsula, and has already filled
the interior with thriving villages and farms, might have
been repulsed or checked by the illiberality or cupidity
of a proprietory despotism.

The possesion of the Territory in 1 796, immediately
extended over it the ordinance of 1787, which was al-
ready in operation in the Nortli-Wcstern Territory,

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within whose hmits Michigan was ombracecL Though
small in population, yet its inconvenient remoteness from
the centre of the territorial government, which was at
Cincinnati, was severely felt. The erection of this into
a separate state did not mitigate the condition of Michi-
gan in this respect. She was still as far from the central
government as ever, and every political inconvenience
remained unchanged.

January 11, 1805, Indiana being erected into a sepa-
rate state, the residue of the North- Western Territory
was divided into two Territories, Illinois and Michigan ;
and on the 1st July, the same year, the territorial govern-
ment of the latter was organised at Detroit by General
William Hull, the newly appointed Goveiior. On the
1 1th of the previous June, Detroit had been destroyed by
fire. Having been built amid a savage and often hostile
population, Detroit, like most frontier places, had been
compressed within a very small compass, having streets
which scarcely exceeded the breadth of common alleys,
and the whole surrounded by a stockade. The Fort*
was on the outside of this stockade, and behind the town.
The buildings were of wood, and contiguous to each
other, and being for the most part old. were highly com-
bustible. The fire broke out in a stable, about 10 o'clock
in the morning. The atmosphere was calm at this time ;
but, as is common in such cases, the spreading flames
soon created a wind, which at once fanned them into
fury. At the end of three or four hours, but two buildings
were standing, the one a store housef belonging to Mr.

* This Fort was erected by Major Le Noult, in 177-, when Detroit
was tlueatcned by General Clarke from Vincenncs. It was called Fort
Shelby after the late war ; and was destroyed in 1827, the ground having
Ixjen ceded by Congress to the town of Detroit.

fThis store-house, the last remnant of the old town, was taken down
m 1830,

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M'Intosli, tlic otiier a bake-house at the waters' edge.
The cntiic population of the town was thus rendered
houseless, and, leaving the smouldering ruins, encamped
on the commons in the rear. In this situation Governor
Hull found his people. It was a melancholy commence-
ment of his administration, and it was nearly as perplexing
as melancholy. Impatient in their distresses under delay,
some of the proprietors had begun to rebuild on the old
sites, and thus to renew the town on its former cramped
and inconvenient plan. Others were for appropriating
at once the vacant commons without the stockade, to the
benefit of the sufferers.

General Hull, immediately on his arrival, turned his
attention to ttis urgent subject, and laid out the town in
its present shape, subject to the approval of Congress.
The arrangement of the plan has been attributed to Judge
Woodward; one of the judges of the territorial court at
that time. He regarded it as one that combined aii the
excellencies which could be culled from previous plans,
from that of Constantinople to that of Washington city.
It was upon a magnificent scale, and unfolded an outline,
which, he often declared, would require eight centuries
to fill up. This was assigning an ample period for the
consummation of almost any human project. But the
plan, however admirable in theory, has proved inconve-
nient in practice. It has entailed embarrassment on the
place, which will probably perpetuate the projector's
name through a long posterity, but without those enco-
miums which were perhaps anticipated. A less ambitious
and innovating genius, would have followed the guide of
William Penn, and thus have introduced simplicity,
symmetry, and convenience, when now appear little
else than excentricity, irregularity, and perplexity.
At this time, the land at the disposal of the government,

waters' edge,
lus rendered
IS, encamped
ion Governor
^ commence-
as perplexing
under delay,
Id on the old
ner cramped
ippropriating
ckade, to the

1, turned his
the town in
)f Congress,
ted to Judge
>rial court at
ained aii the
jvious plans,
lington city,
d an outline,
;ht centuries
riod for the
t. But the
3d inconve-
nent on the
projector's
those enco-
Js ambitious
the guide of
simplicity,
ppear little
axity.
overnnoent,

•1 '^

!j or which could be appropriated to cultivation by the

I whites, was the narrow strip before alluded to, running

I from the River Raisin to Lake St. Clair. The policy of

J the French Government, while the country was in its

I possession, did not appear to aim at improvement of the

«soil. Settlements for agriculture were not therefore
encouraged. Only a few grants of land were made, and
traffic with the Indians for furs seems to have been the
only object in view. The inhabitants became in some
degree incorporated with the aborigines, and the wide
spread interior was preserved as a waste, for the better
propagation of the fur-bearing animals. The English
pursued a similar policy. No effort appears to have been
made, while they occupied the country, to enlarge the
boundaries of cultivation.

In November, 1807, Governor Hull held a treaty at

nj Brownstown with the Peninsula Tribes, which added all

the lands, not before possessed under former treaties,

within a line running on the exterior or western side of

H the counties of Lenawe, Washtenaw, Shiawasfa, and

I Sagana. But the lands thus acquired were no*, brought

into market until the year 1817.
I The new town of Detroit was without other defence,

than the Fort in its rear, until 1807 or 8, when the
threatening movements of some of the neighboring tribes
of Indians, led to the erection of a stockade around it,
which was not removed until 1817.

The Territory of Michigan, though on the skirts of the
United States, and, by its remoteness from tiie coast,
would seem to have been almost independent of the
effects of a war with Great Britain, yet, by an inauspi-
cious train of events, she was made almost the first
victim of that which broke out in 1812. Previous to the
declaration of war, but while that Congress was in

) '

session which made it, Governor Hull was in Washington.
A plan appears to linvc been concerted while he was
there, having that event in anticipation. His knowledge
of tlie North-western frontier, combined with his civil
position, which gave him control over many of its
resources, made it expedient to vest him with military
command. He was accordingly appointed a Brigadier
General in the army of the United States. In justification
of this appointment— the propriety of which the public
was led, by subsequent events, much to question, it
should be recollected, that Governor Hull left the
Revolutionary army with the rank of Major, and a
military reputation inferior to few Officers of his grade,
having frequently distinguished himself by his gallantry
and good conduct in action, so as to receive the commen-
dation of Washington in General Orders. This appoint-
ment of Brigadier General he at first declined, and an
officer, already in service, was selected for the Noi-th-
western command. This Officer, however, through
sickness, or some other cause, not being able to assume
it, Governor Hull was induced to accept the appointment
of Brigadier General ; and, in fulfilment of the plan of
operations, immediately proceeded to Ohio, where the
4th Regiment of Infantry, and a body of volunteers,
were in readiness to receive his orders. With this force
he commenced his march for Detroit. War had not
then been declared, but the prospect of it was so
immediate, that it would seem to have been the part of
prudence to have acted with the same caution, as if it
had been so. Contrary, however, to such a course,
General Hull, on his arrival at Maumee, near Lake Erie,
freighted a vessel, which received the laggage and stores'
of the army, a few individuals, and afso some importfuil
documents. This vessel sailed for Detroit, and took the

i^aslungton.
lile he was
knowledge
111 liis civil
any of its
th military
I Brigadier
ustification
the public
question, it
1 left the
jor, and a
his grade,
i gallantry
! commen-
is appoint-
ed, and an
he Noi-th-
•, through
to assume
pointment
e plan of
where the
olunteers,
this force
' had not
'■ was so
c part of
n, as if it
I course,
akc Erie,
nd stores
mporlont
took the

1ft

usual i)assng(; into the Detroit Hiver, which is by the way
of Maiden. The day after her departure, General Hull
received official information of the declaration of war,
and soon re-commenced his march for Detroit, where he
arrived on the 9th July.*

The vessel which had been sent from the Maumee, as
it approached Maiden, was captured by a detachment
from the Garrison at that place without resistance. It
does not appear that the party on board was directed to
be on its guard, or prepared for such an event. The
British boarded the vessel, gave notice of hostilities, and
took possession. Sent into the very jaws of the expected
enemy, resistance with such means as were provided,
would probably have been unavailing ; but she might have
been directed to take a less exposed channel, or fitted
for the emergency which happened. Much insight into
the intended operations of the Americans is said to have
been obtained by this unlucky capture. It appears that
the British had been some days apprized of our declara-
tion of war. With a forecast eminently required at such
critical conjunctures, the British Diplomatists about
Washington urged forward the eventful tidings to all
their frontiers with the utmost alacrity ; and every Post
was so forewarned as to give it the advantage of initial
operations. While, under existing circumstances, it was
undoubtedly the duty of General Hull to have acted
with the same heed as if war had actually been declared,
yet, there can be no excuse for the tardy and blundering
movements of the War Department, which suffered itself,
in almost every instance, to be outstripped by the superior

* For many of the details of General Hull's campaign, and of the sub-
sequent military incidents of the North-western frontier, I am indebted to
a memoir read before the Lyceum of Detroit, in 181!), by Major Rowland,
who was ail olliccr in the Uuilcd States Army, durin;; the late war, and
served on that frontier.

•0

alertness of the enemy ; and left almost the whole
North-western frontier from Niagara to Prairie du Chien,
witli scarcely a precautionary intimation, to be vigilant
and prepared for hostility.

On the 9th of July, General Hull received orders to
cross the River Detroit, and take possession of Canada.
His command had been impatient to make the movement,
and had urged it upon him immediately after his arrival.
At such a moment, all procrastination was in favor of the
enemy, as each day increased his strength, and diminished
the chances of success. The garrison of Maiden was at
that time small, and without any immediate resource
except from a few of the Canadian Militia, who were
rather reluctant and feeble auxiliaries, — and probably
awaited only the approach of General Hull, whose force
was comparatively overwhelming, to surrender.

Preparation having been made for the transit, General
Hull took possession of the Canadian shore on the 12th
July, and established his Head Quarters at Sandwich.
The inhabitants were invited to come in and receive
protection, which would ensure them the privileges of
friends. Many were induced by the paramount
dominion which the Americans appeared to possess over
the country, and the probability that they would preserve
it, to transfer their allegiance, or, at least, to assume a
neutrality. ^^

Under pretext that heavy artillery was necessary to an
attack on the Fort at Maiden, the army lay inactive at
Sandwich from the 12th of July to the 8th of August.
One or two detachments were sent out in the mean time,
one of which, under the command of Colonel Cass, soon
after the army crossed, drove in a picket stationed on the
bridge over the river Canard, only a few miles from
Mnlden, and look posjscssion of it, advisinj!: General Hull

of the movement, and recommending nn immediate at-
tack on that place. The recommendation was slighted,
and the detachment ordered to return, leaving the ene-
my to reoccupy a station, highly important to either par-
ty, in the event of a future attack.

While these slothful and fruitless operations were go-
ing on below, the island of Michilimackinac above, had
been captured by the enemy. The British at St. Jo-
seph's having been promptly apprised of the rupture be-
tween the two countries, an expedition, consisting of a
few regulars, some Canadian militia, and a large body
of Indians, was immediately prepared against the post
at Michilimackinac. Lieutenant Hanks, who command-
ed at that island, was first informed of hostilities, by a
summons from the British commandant, under the walls
of his Fort, to surrender. He at once submitted on hon-
ourable terms, having no reason to anticipate succor, and
feeling unable long to hold out against such a force. It
was perhaps fortunate that he obeyed the dictates of pru-
dence rather than gallantry, as it appears by the semi-
official communication of one of the British agents in
the transaction, that the Indians were prepared to retal-
iate the slightest resistance with an indiscriminate mas-
sacre. The surrender took place on the 17th of July*

During General Hull's delay at Sandwich, within
striking distance of Maiden, General Brock, taking ad-
vantage of an adroit manoeuvre of Sir George Prevost,
who persuaded General Dearborn to enter into an ar-
mistice, which suspended all operations as high up as the
Niagara frontier, moved up the province, to the relief of
that place.

On the 9th of August, General Hull recrossed the riv-
er Detroit, and abandoned Canada, after an inglorious oc-
cupation of less than a month. The reasons alleged for

( *

i I

taking this «tc|) — which appears to have been condemned
by \m army — were, timt \m communication with Ohio,
the source of his supply of provisions, could not be easily
maintained while he remained on the Canada side. He
hnd likewise indirect information that. General Brock, by
some arrangement below, wvxM be nt liberty soon to as-
sist, by strong succors, the upper Province. The news
of the surrender of Michilimackinac, which would disen-
gage the numerous northern tribes of Indians, also threw
weight irito a scale, already inclined to preponderate on
the timid side. Previous to recrossing. General Mull
had detached Major Vanhorn with about < wo bundi rS
men towards the river Raisin, to escort some provisions
which were at that place on their rouU? to Detroit. The
detachment was surprised by a paity of Indians near
Brownstown, and retreated in disorder back to Detroit,
leaving some dead on the field. The day on which the
army recrossed, Colonel Miller, with another detachment,
consisting of the 4th Regiment, and a body of militia,
amounting to about 600 men, wos sent down the river
to remedy the disaster. About the middle of the after-
noon, his advanced guard under the command of Cap-
tain Snelling, met the enemy near Maguaga. This guard
gallantly maintained its position until sustained by the
main body, which was soon led up by Colonel Miller.
The British and Indians were jHJsted behind a rude
breastwork, thrown up in the woods. They were dig-
lodged after a short contest, and retreated with precipi-
tation to their boats, in which they crossed the river
again, leaving the Americans undisputed masters of the
field and the route to the river Raisin. But Colonel
Miller was detained on the battle-ground until the next
day by the want of proviwons, which were to have fol-
lowed him. The noxt day he was ; d^red back to De-

tndcmnetl
^ith Ohio,
be easily
licie. He
Brock, by
oon to a8-
rho news
lid disen-
Iso threw
lernte on
)ral TIuU
hundi f!
rnviaions
•It. The
iana near
• Detroit,
t^hich the
achment,
f militia,
the river
he after-
of Cap-
^is guard
d by the
;I Miller,
a rude
vere dig-
precipi-
he river
's of the
Colonel
the next
have fol-
k to De-

troit, the iniaupprchciisiuiis or tiinitlity of tiic (jSuiu>rnl
having led him to buliuve that, altliou^'-Ji victorious, the
detachment lind gained no ground further thiur'th) [mntn
of the! bayonets extended."* On the 13tli uiatant still
liovingthc siif'' arrival of the proviaionsut i! : rivet A...usin
in view, Colonela ivl' Arthur and Cass were detached, by
a back route, through the ibrr^t, on that service.

On the 1 ithof August, General IJrock arrived at Mai-
den with a reinforcement. With a promptitude charac-
teristic of his bold and enliqirising s^enius, he at once
moved up to Sandwich ; and on the lath summoned din-
eral Hull to surrender. Regarding their relative strength,
General Hull having the most numerous force — and
their relative position, the two armies being separated
by a broad and deep river, — such a summons wesfs
the aspect of an empty gasconade. But General Brock
had penetrated into the weuknest* of his opponents cha-
racter, and knew that even a gu onade could assail it
with effect. Bespeaking confuloi ce and spirit on one
side, it would be likely to create distrust and despondency
on the other. Such was the eifet in the present in-
stance, though not immediately disj layed. The reply
of General Hull was a decisive negatnc, though accom-
panied by certain explanations whit i were not called
for, and made in a tone of deprecation, which, if other
evidence were wanting, might have instructed an intelli-
gent enemy in the imbecility of his ant: jionist. Subse-
quent disclosures showed that Genera 1 Brock did not
want such evidence. On his arrival at I alden, with the
tact of a skilful commander, he at once adeavoured to
ascertain the character of the Amei ican ieneral. It is
said that the vessel captured at Maiden d atained much

* General Hull's letter to the Sccictary of War.

1.^

wl^

of his recent correspondence. The anxious and shrink-
ing spirit which pervaded this correspondence, combin-
ed with the timid and procrastinating operations of Gen-
eral Hull, while he had a foothold in Canada, immedi-
ately convinced him, (as he afterwards frankly told an
American Officer of rank,)* that he had only to assume
a front of boldness and decision, to insure an easy victory.
It was thus, by that penetration and promptitude which
belongs to gifted minds, that the British General saw and
compassed a result, which could be accounted for by the
world, only by supposing bribery on one side and treach-
ery on the other. He did not attempt to tamper with
an integrity which, we firmly believe, would have resist-
ed all temptations of that nature with firmness and
indignation ; but he detected a weakness and irresolution,
which could be far more effectually and successfully
assailed, and which at once gave his numerically equal
force an overwhelming superiority.

As soon as General Brock received the answer of
General Hull to his summons (the tenor of which he no
doubt anticipated, as the most craven spirit waits for a
sufficient and plausible excuse for yielding to its fears) a
cannonade was opened on Detroit from batteries, which
had been suffered to be constructed without the least
attempt at hindrance. It was returned by others, which
had long been in readiness on our side, but which had
thus far been muzzled in silence. The position of a small
vessel, belonging to the British, on the evening of the 1 5th
rendered it probable that General Brock intended to
cross the river at Springwells, either in the night, or
early in the morning. To observe such a movement,
C apt. Snelling was sent with a small detachment to that

* Governor (then Colonel) Cass.

•''iwwwi*;. -u.-.saT's»!!»i«r» ■

point. Several officers recommended that a heavy piece
of ordnance should be placed there, both to compel the
vessel to remove, and obstruct any attempt to cross.
Much might have been effected by such a piece, which»
in the event of a necessity to abandon it, might have been
dismounted and rendered temporarily unserviceable.
But the detachment was ordered to return to Detroit by
break of day, and General Brock made an early transit,'*
with his whole force, without any molestation. He
marched in column up the river road, having, according
to the most impartial computation, about one thousand
men, including militia and Indians, ^ who probably
constituted nearly one half of his numbers.

General Brock made a short halt at the small bridge
about a mile below Detroit, and took breakfast there,
as if awaiting the effects of the panic which his
bold movements would probably strike in his opponent.
Evidence of this was soon made manifest. General Hull's
Aid being about this time sent over the river with a flag
of truce. General Brock immediately sent forward a
messenger to enquire the purpose of this flag. An answer
was returned by General Hull, leading at once to that
negotiation, which soon terminated in a surrender.

While this interchange of messages was taking place,
General Hull, at the suggestion of one of his staff, permit-
ted arrangements to be made for defence without the
Fort, which, had the battle been faught, as was then
anticipated by every one, excepting perhaps General
Hull himself, would have contributed much to a favorable
result. The British were without artillery, and pursued
a line of march, with the river on one flank, and orchards,
enclosed by strong fences, affording excellent positions
for annoyance and attack, on the other, exposing them-
selves with a daring recklessness, which nothing but a

reliance on the imbecility of the enemy could have justi-
fied.

Instead of availing himself of any of these means of
offence, General Hull seems to have avoided all possible
collision, which might frustrate the capitulation then
determined on. All the troops were withdrawn from
the excellent positions they had taken, and ordered to
*fconcentrate within the Fort — already sufficiently garri-
soned by the 4th Regiment — as if from an apprehension,
that, wliile there remained a chance of contact with the
enemy, their ardor might burst forth without orders,
and avert the disgrace which impended over them.

It does not appear that General Hull, in coming to
the resolution of capitulating, took any other council than
from his own fears. He hinted to the gallant Colonel
Miller, who was then sick, his intention tu send a flag,
and when advised to consult his officers, sxii that there
was no time for consultation. General Brock, in his
summons on the I5th, had introduced the very common
threat, that in case a surrender was not immediately
made, he could not answer for the conduct of his Indians,
who might be exasperated by resistance. This empty
menace may have shaken a mind, exhausted and sinking
beneath the weight of responsibility and embarrassments ;
for the whole tenor of General Hull's conduct on the
morning of the surrender, seems to have showed an
excessive anxiety to avoid all hostility, which might give
pretence for putting it in execution. Even while the
articles were being signed, a British detachment is said
to have approached the Fort, and scarcely waited until
the American flag had been struck, before it took pos-
session. The articles of capitulation embraced the
detachment under Colonel M'Arthur, whicli, although
within striking distance of Detroit, was not known by

(reneral Hull to be in its neighborhoo<l ; and also, the
party with Captain Brush at the river Raisin, nearly
thirty miles distance. This sweep of all under his con-
trol within the vortex of surrender, may have proceeded
from a morbid solicitude for their protection from Indian
massacre, rather than from a wish to make the ruin as
wide-spread as possible. The first detachment, being too
near to retreat with safety, submitted with the rest. That
at the river Raisin, temporarily under the command of
Captain Rowland, rejected the terms, and effected its
retreat into Ohio.

Thus terminated General Hull's campaign on the
North- Western frontier. A disaster, in the very outset
of the war, of so serious and humiliating a character,
threw a disheartening gloom over the whole country.
It exhibited a weakness and insufficiency in our military
management, strikingly and lamentably unsuited to the
arduous struggle in which we had engaged. Awkward-
ness and imbecility secmOT to pervade every Department,
from the War-office to the very skirts of our operations.
An overflowing measure of obloquy was cast upon
General Hull in consequence of this event. Indignation
and vituperation followed him into his captivity, and met
him on his return to his country. He was soon after
subjected to a trial, which, after a most thorough, and ^h
we have reason to believe, impartial investigation, result-
ed in awarding the extreme punishment of the law — a
sentence of death. This sentence was accompanied by
a recommendation to mercy, which of course prevailed
with the President of the United States, on whose decis-
ion the prisoner's ultimate fate depended.

The lapse of time mellowed the asperity of opinions,
and when, on the brink of the grave, General Hull made
an eloquent appeal from the judgment of the court which

condemned him, he seems to have won, through convic-
tion or compassion, many among his neighbors to abehef
m his innocence. A public proof of this sentiment was
given in Boston, which probably served to assuage the
bitterness of his past lot, and to cast a gleam of sunshme
on the short remnant of his days.

While we would not unnecessarily disturb the repose
of his ashes, it is the duty of impartial history to examine
into, and decide on an event, in which the public have a
concern paramount to that of any individual. That
General Hull stated the necessity of naval co-operation
on Lake Erie, and that he deemed it essential to his
success, may be fully admitted, and had there been the
slightest forecast in the preparation for the North-West-
ern campaign, no doubt this important auxiliary would
% have been provided. Nothing but the same blindness
and inefficiency which exposed every north-western post
to capture, even before they were aware of the war,
would have neglected so essential a part of the plan.
But the immediate cause of General Hull's numerous
failures, does not appear to be attributable to so remote
a source. Notwithstanding the many difficulties he had
to surmount in his march, he reached Detroit in safety,
with a force fully adequate to effect the purposes directly
in view. The Upper Canadian Province was almost
defenceless, having only a small detachment of troops at
Maiden, and a Fort which scarcely deserved the name.
When he crossed into Canada, he not only met with no
opposition, but found most of the inhabitants neutral, or
positively friendly. Many pretexts have been urged to
excuse the delay of an attack on Maiden, which, we have
every reason to presume, only waited the appearance of
General Hull, with his army, to surrender. Such an
event, although not of much importance, as the place was

<)1

scarcely tenable, would have had the double effect of
encouraging the Americans, and discouraging the British.
And it might have prevented the movement of General
Brock, who would probably have doubted the expediency
of attempting a re-conquest of the upper Province with
such a small force.

The return to Detroit, at a time when every object in
Canada had been rendered nearly unattainable by delay
and mismanagement, was perhaps a prudent step. An
attack could have been made by General Brock on that
side of the river with the chances of success greatly
multiplied. The movement of Colonel Miller towards
the river Raisin, after the battle of Maguaga, could have
been made without any probable molestation. The
discomfiture of the British and Indians had been com-
plete, and all obstructions were removed, at least for a
time. Having effected the object in view, the whole
army would have been concentrated at Detroit. The
batteries opposite to Detroit were permitted to rise
without any attempt at hindrance. Not even a gun
(many of which were ready for effect) was allowed to
be fired ; and the suggestion of Major Jessup, to carry
them by a nocturnal attack, was treatcu with neglect.
The transit of General Brock at Springwells may not
have been prevented by such a force as prudence would
have placed at that distance from the main body. But
even such a detachment as was on the spot, might have
given much molestation, and caused some loss, espe-
cially if it had been assisted by a field piece. General
Brock's march from that place towards the town, was
continually exposed to obstacles, which the slightest
generalship or enterprise would have rendered formida-
ble. The approach to the Fort was lined with defences,
which would have enabled resolute l,roops to dispute

tjvci'y inch of grounds The Fort itself was a strong,
bastioned work, every way fitted for a short siege, and,
after all obstacles had been removed, might for a time
have defied the British, destitute, as they were, of artil-
lery. The ramparts were in good repair, the ditches
deep, and bristling with pickets ; and the 4th Regiment
alone was a garrison that could have resisted any coup
de main. If provisions were not abundant, there was
at least a present sufiliciency, as well also as of ammuni-
tion.

When General Brock landed at Springwells, he was
informed, by an Indian, of the approach' of Colonel
M'Arthur's detachment in his rear ; and he is said to
have precipitated his march towards Detroit, lest the
previous arrival of this reinforcement should defeat his
plans. Although there was no concert of action between
Colonel M'Arthur and General Hull, as the latter
appears to have been unapprised that the former was
so near at hand, yet, had only a few hours resistance
been maintained, this detachment would have come in
as a powerful and probably decisive diversion in Gen-
eral Hull's favor.

Indeed, after the most thorough and impartial investi-
gation of this disastrous event, it is difficult to avoid the
conclusion, that it resulted from mismanagement and
inefficiency ; and that the exercise of ordinary generalship
and spirit, would have converted those days of humiha-
tion and sorrow, into days of triumph and rejoicing.

A provisional government was established by the
British at Detroit, and a small force placed in the Fort.
The Indians, who were numerous, and claimed large
rewards for their co-operation, and who were but slightly,
if at all, restrained by the garrison, carried plunder and
devastation into almost every house, and through almost

nd,
ime
rtil-
hes
ent
>up
vas
ini-

ivQa
nel
I to
the
his
Jen
ter
vas
ice
I in
en-

sti-
the
ind
hip
lia-

the
)rt.
pge

nd
ost

every farm in the Territory. The miserable inhabitants
had no alternative but to submit, or incur the hazard of
more aggravated outrage. Most of the citizens of Detroit
were sent into exile, and distress and ruin appeared to
be the inevitable lot of all.

Contemporaneously with these events on the eastern
side of the peninsula of Michigan, another disaster,
rendered memorable by the folly which led to it, and
the blood which accompanied it, occurred on the was-
tern side, under the walls of Chicago. While yet in
Canada, General Hull, actuated, no doubt, by the appro-
hensions which made him regard all things under his
control with trembling anxiety, sent orders to Captain
Heald,.who commanded at Chicago, to evacuate that
Post, and retreat to Fort Wayne. Every order of this
unfortunate General appeared to be pregnant with mis-
fortune. That which was issued at this time to Captain
Heald, involved a garrison, which had ample means of
defence at its Post, in disgrace and blood. The order
for evacuation was received on the 9th of August.
Captain Wells, of the Indian Department who, with a
few faithful Miamies, was to guide the retreat, mistrust-
ing the fidelity of the Potawatamies, recommended an
immediate evacuation, before that tribe should have time
to concentrate around the Fort. His recommendation
was disregarded, and, in a short time, more than four
hundred of them had collected in the neighborhood. In
order to secure their forbearance, a promise was made
to them, that all the surplus stores of the Fort should be
left at their disposal. Captain Heald prudently foresaw
that large quantities of whiskey and powder, such as
were then on hand, might be dangerous gifts to the
Indians, and resolved to destroy clandestinely as much
of them as possible before the evacuation. He accor^

dingly, during the nights, when the InrlionR were not
present, threw most of the powder into a well, and was-
ted a greater part of the whiskey. The Indians are said
to have obtained some intimation or knowledge of these
nocturnal transactions ; and, regarding them as an
infringement of their rights, may have then conceived
the plan of vengeance, which they afterwards so fearfully
executed.

After the Potawatamies had assembled in such num-
bers, both Cnptain Wells and Mr. Kinzie (who was an
Indian Agent at the place, and knew well the character
and feelings of these Indians) represented to Captain
Heald that a retreat would then be unsafe. But their
representptions had no effect. He had neglected to
make it at a time when no obstacles were in the way,
and, by delaying in order to destroy the surplus whiskey
and ammunition, had deprived himself of the means of
remaining, when it had become prudent and proper to
do so.

On the 1 5th of August, the garrison, consisting of 54
regular troops and 12 militia-men, together with several
families, evacuated the Fort. When about a mile on its
mfxrch. Captain Heald observed that the Indians were
preparing for an attack, and made dispositions for
defence. A short conflict ensued, in which about one
half of the garrison, and some women and children, were
killed, when Captain Heald surrendered. The Fort was
burnt by the Indians the next morning, and the prisoners
were distributed among the bands.

The most distinguished victim of this short and san-
guinary action, was Captain Wells. In his chagrin and
despondency at the fate which the wilfulness and blind-
ness of Captain Heald was bringing upon the whole
retreating party, he had, according to the custom of the

( \

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ese
an
i^ed
illy

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iey
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savages under such feelings, blackened his face, and was
thus found among the slain. We have already alluded
to his services and gallantry in General Wayne's cam-
paign. His singular and eventful life, the energy and
boldness of his character, entitle him to a passing notice.
He was, while a child, captured by the Indians, and
became the adopted son of the Little Turtle, the most
eminent forest Warrior and Statesman of his time. In
the defeats of Harmar and St. Clair he took a distin-
guished part, commanding in the latter action, three
hundred young Warriors, who were posted immediately
in front of the artillery, and caused such carnage among
those who served it. He arranged his party behind logs
and trees immediately under the knoll on which the guns
were placed, and thence, almost uninjured, picked off the
artillerists, until, it is said, their bodies were heaped up
almost to the height of the pieces.

After this sanguinary affair, his forecast led him to
anticipate the final ascendency of the Whites, who would
be roused, by these reverses, to such exertions, as must
be successful with their preponderance of power; and
he resolved to abandon the savages. His mode of an-
nouncing this determination, was in accordance with the
simple and sententious habits of a forest life. He was
traversing the woods in the morning with his adopted
father, the Little Turtle, when, pointing to the Heavens,
he said, " When the sun reaches the meridian, I leave
you for the whites ; and whenever you meet me in battle,
you must kill me, as I shall endeavor to do the same
with you." The bonds of affection and respect which
had bound these two singular and highly gifted men
together, were not severed or weakened by this abrupt
dereliction. Captain Wells soon after joined Wayne's
army, and, by his intimacy with the wilderness, his per-

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feet knowledge of the Indian haunts, habits, and modcii
of warfare, became an invaluable auxiliary to the Ameri.
cans. He served faithfully, and fought bravely, through
the campaign, and, at the close, when peace had restor-
ed amity between the Indians and the Whites, rejoined
his foster father, the Little Turtle ; and their friendship
and connexion was broken only by the death of the latter.
When his body was found among the slain at Chicago,
the Indians are said to have drank his blood, from a
superstitious belief that they should thus imbibe his war-
like endowmc! ts, which had been considered by them
as preeminent.

During the fall and winter succeeding these events.
General Harrison had been collecting an army for the
purpose of recovering the North- wonern frontier. Hav-
ing advanced as far as Sanduskj-, he detached General
Winchester, in advance, to the Maumee. General Win-
chester sent forward a foraging pariy as far as the river
Raisin, which reached that place the ISt.h January, 1813,
and dislodged a body of Indians found there. The next
day. General Winchester, with his main body, joined this
advance, having a force of about one thousand men. He
encamped on the le.> bank of the river ; but although
forewarned of the approach of a hostile party from
Maiden, it does not appear that he made any disposition
of his troops to meet an emergency. On the 22d, early
in the morning, his camp was attacked by the British
and Indians. Portions of the line defended themselves
with obstinacy and success, particularly the left, under
Major Madison. General Winchester himself, had taken
lodgings on the opposite side of the river,* at some dis-
tance from the scene of action ; and we have understood

♦Colonel Robert Navarre, at whose house General Winchester lode-
ed, stated this fact. "

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that he was captured before he joined his troops. Being
without any general direction, the line, with the exception
before mentioned, soon fell into confusion, and gave
way. A retreat was made across the river; but the
savages, who anticipated such a movement, were in
readiness there to meet the fugitives, and few escaped
the slaughter. Major Madison continued to defend
himself, until informed by General Winchester-then a
prisoner-that his party had been surrendered. The
obligation to submit to terms concluded under such cir-
cumstances, is more than doubtful ; and it is probable
that the gallant Major, deserted by all the rest of the line,
saw no chance of final success, and surrendered as much
from hard necessity, as in obedience to the orders of his
captive General.

The bloody scene which followed this disastrous morn-
ing, has given a celebrity to the spot, far beyond the
importance of this event. The massacre at the river
Raisin will remain a sanguinary blot on the military fame
of Britain, as long as her history shall be faithfully told.
Most of the wounded were collected in one or two
nouses near the battle ground. General Winchester,
whose situation enabled him to observe the conduct and
disposition of the Anglo-savages, felt an apprehension
for the fate of these unfortunate sufferers, and frequently
reminded General Proctor of his solemn engagement to
protect them. Whether his comparatively small number
of regular troops could not control the cannibal ferocity
of his allies, or whether he looked on their bloody orgies
without opposition or remonstrance, may be left undeter-
mined by the charity of history, as long as the proofs are
at all questionable. There appears to be a dark shadow,
suited to the blackness of the transaction, resting over it,
and nothing perhaps is distinctly known, excepting the

horrible result. Butchery and conflagmtion were at
work through the night, and these unhappy victims, who
trusted to the mercy, or honor of the British character,
were mostly, if not all, buried under a heap of smoulder-
ing ruins.

This series of events so unfortunate for the Americans
and so triumphant for the British, filled the inhabitants
of Michigan with despondency, and seemed to leave
them in hopeless subjection to a foreign dominion. Gen-
ei-al Harrison's operations on the frontiers of Ohio, threw
an occasional gleam on their dark fortunes. The signal
triumph of Croghan at Sandusky, and some of the events
at Fort Meigs, tihowed that victory might still revisit the
American arms. These operations, however, had no
immediate influence on the condition of the Territory,
until Perry's victory, the 10th September 1813 opened
a passage over the lake for the American forces. This
brilliant and important naval action, which was so instru-
mental in restoring Michigan to the Union, deserves
particular notice, as an essential part of her history.

Commodore Perry's fleet had been built, under great
disadvantages, at Erie, Penn. The bar at the mouth of
the harbour would not permit the vessels to pass out with
their armament on board. For some time after the fleet
was ready to sail, the British Commodore continued to
hover oflf the harbor, well knowing it must either remain
there inactive, or venture out with almost a certainty of
defeat. During this blockade. Commodore Perry had no
alternative but to ride at anchor at Erie. Fortunately,
early in September, the enemy relaxed his vigilance, and
with drew to the upper end of the Lake. Commodore
Pcriy seized the opportune moment to pass the bar, and fit
his vessels for action. This triumph over the vigilance of
the British was a presage of the still greater triumph that

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nim»cll and his fortunes on tl,c boson, of ll,o Uke «„,i,l
the showers of death that fell around hi,n Reml,t^^h

.J„j 1 .1, 5^ ' ""'''• alrmdy somewhat crin.

led by the contest with the Lawrence. The N lam

iicr might, and, ranging by the vessels in success, „, .„,!

pouring ,„ her broadsides, compelled then, one l/ut'

other o lower Uieir flags ii, token of subJssion „nt

hey ai, „„^ „„„,,,„. ,_, achievingthisdecisivlv I'etot

we^brThrt"'''^" "^ ''"""*' vessels, S
were t^rought into co-operation by Captain Elliot who
l.ad volunteered in this service when Commodo^ Perrv
assumed command of his vessel. Not long TnT Com
-d^Perryb^aj^edUjel^^

her colors. She was, however, but a fleeting trophy, for
before she could be taken possession of, every British
flag had followed her humiliating example.

This consummate victory opened the Lake to General
Harrison, who soon after crossed his army to the Cana-
dian shore, and, in the course of a short campaign, which
was brilliantly finished by the battle of the Moravian
towns, drove the enemy from the North Western frontiei-.
On the 29th September, 1813, Detroit was occupied by
a detachment of his army. An armistice was concluded
with the Indians on the 18th of October following; thus
restoring tranquillity and security to the Territory.

General Harrison soon after moved down with his
main body to the Niagara frontier, and left General Cass
in command at Detroit. No military movements took
place during the winter following, excepting an incursion
into the interior of the Upper Province by Major Holmes,
who was attacked near Stoney Creek, and maintained
his ground with great bravery and success.

In the month of July 1814, an expedition was concert-
ed for the purpose of recovering the Island of Michili-
mackinac,* th- only part of the Territory then remaining
in the possession of the British. Lieutenant Colonel
Croghan, who had so gallantly defended his post at San-
dusky, had command of the land forces, and Commodore
Sinclair of the fleet which transported them. The ex-
pedition reached the neighborhood of the island in safe-
ty ; and had the attack been made without delay, it is
probable that the post would have fallen. The chances

, . ,^r ^ documents within my reach relative to tlic cxpediticm against
Micluhmackmac, were imperfect niid meagre. I could find neither Colonel
Croghan's official account, nor Major Holmes' correspondence on the
subject, and became dependent for the statement embodied in the address
on the account dclivereil to the Detroit Lyceum, before alluded to, and
the recollection of a conversation with an officer who served in the expe-
dition, '

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and lLjJ:jZC "i^T^-i-g '- Oefonee.
and afewday; «,„ «»,! i ^""^™™g "bout the M-
a«d.e„tadetLht„taSl°Br^ ff™'"?'- *'"'^'
on the WandofSt JoSt i' fTr?"*"'^"'
destroyed, as well as 7^. J '''"'"'^''n.em was

ordinafe post. AfterS X", " ''""' "' """'^^' ^'"'-

WandofMiehilimackinac 1^1, ""'«'!'"»•'>"»'' °"he
Commandant had fcr """" ""«'• "'<= ^"'''l'

Wed.„him,Ll^?;:^47^^^^^^^^^^^

such aid OS the country afforded I , T' . ''"« '"

waroc„ltected,whobeC tndcr^^f "'""""'''"■'^
which the attackwasmade r T™""""'""'"'

We have been rforZat "!'*""' ''■""'"»'•
Ao expedition, that cIne "^cTofar ™T''='' "''''
being landed on the south-wLterS or?. T™"' "^
far from the village Thn 7 f *^ '*"<'• n»'

.he ascent to hf hil tab T T ''"'•° ''""''^'™«'^'''

eJ:Ct;tt:f:et«"'''t:n^,;'r"

was then mosti; cove^j j- 7 ?" " '" '''™^'^'-' »"<'

vious growth of's mXes i,liT T' '""""'"''"■
every where inler«r, 7 f """""^'"f vegetation was

bad 'ti. ;: 'Sv ot aVr' "f """'^p"*'- ""•="

pcipjeiity of a labyrmth. Hero and there

Were patches of a few acres, wliich had been cleared and
cultivated. Colonel Croghan, having landed his troops
at a point nearly opposite to the Fort, had, of course to
traverse the whole width of the island amid these embar-
rassing obstacles. Every Indian, on such grounds, was
more formidable than the best disciplined soldier. The
numerous auxiliaries of this description, which the British
commander had been able to collect during the absence
of the fleet, were therefore superior to any equal rein-
forcement of regular troops he could have received.
Had the landing been made on the other side of the
island, near the village, these allies would have been
rendered nearly useless, as their prudential mode of
warfare is opposed to all exposure on open grounds.

The landing wa« easily effected, and the Americans
suffered to. advance into the labyrinths of the island,
nearly to the centre, unobstructed, when, in approaching
one of the clearings before alluded to, the enemy was
found ready to receive them. A desultory firing began
within the opening, very annoying and somewhat destruc-
tive to the Americans, when Major Holmes, a brave and
accomplished officer, was directed to charge into the op-
posite thickets. While executing this order with great
spirit, he fell, mortally wounded. His party recoiled upon
the main body, and Colonel Croghan soon retreated to his
boats. All operations of the expedition, of any importance,
terminated with this failure, and the island of Michilimack-
inac remained in the hands of the British until the peace.

The interruption of the civil government of Michigan,
which began with the capture of (Jeneral Hull, was
closed in October 9th, 1813, by the the appointment of
General Cass as Governor of the Territory ; who soon
after re-organized its institutions, and restored the ope-
ration of law and justice.

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