viii                    Preface

from the river Raisin, where the enemy had blockaded
them, by sending an inadequate force, which was defeated.
He then sent a larger force, which after defeating the
enemy were withdrawn without getting the much-needed
supplies. While these unmilitary acts were progressing
and a third party had been sent to the river Raisin for
the supplies, General Brock marched his army to Sand-
wich, planted cannon so as to command Detroit, without
any interference on the part of Hull, and when ready for
bombarding demanded and secured the surrender of Hull,
August i 6, 1812, without the American general accom-
plishing anything but to cover himself with everlasting
disgrace. The fortress of Detroit and the territory of
Michigan, with a population of five thousand souls and
one thousand four hundred soldiers, with arms, ammuni-
tion, and supplies went from Hull to Brock by the
surrender.
   Previous to the surrender of Detroit, Fort Mackinac
had been taken by the British, on the 17th of July, 1812.
Lieutenant Hanks was in command of the fort, but had
not been advised of the declaration of war until the enemy
were upon him. The garrison, consisting of only fifty-
seven effective men, could do nothing but surrender when
taken by surprise, as they were, by an overwhelming
enemy.