Page:Tupper family records - 1835.djvu/154

 132 SIR ISAAC BROCK.

The direction of the batteries on the opposite shore had, in the mean time, been left to an intelligent officer.

" At about ten o'clock the troops advanced, in close column, twelve in front, along the bank of the river towards the fort, and halted at about a mile distant ; by which time the Indians had penetrated the enemy's camp. When the head of the British column had advanced to within a short distance of the American line, General Hull, and the troops under his command, retreated to the fort, without making any use of two twenty-four pounders, advantageously posted on an eminence, and loaded with grape shot.

" Just as the British were about to commence the attack, a white flag was seen suspended from the walls of the fort. So unexpected a measure caused General Brock to despatch an officer in front, to ascertain the fact. Shortly afterwards the capitulation was signed ; and the fort of Detroit, its ordnance and military stores, a fine vessel in the harbour, the whole north-western army, including the detached parties, also the immense territory of Michigan, its forti- fied posts, garrisons, and inhabitants, were surrendered to the British arms. — Ibid, pp. CS to 70.

"One reason for General Brock's marching so comparatively small a force against Detroit, was a deficiency of arms wherewith to equip the Upper Canada militia. Many of the latter were obliged, in consequence, to remain behind ; and even the arms that had been distributed among their companions, were of the very worst quality 5 so that General Hull's ' two thousand five hundred stands of arms,' which were indeed of the very best quality, became a valuable acquisition. The success that attended this first enter- prise in which the militia had been called upon to act, produced an electrical effect throughout the two provinces. It inspired the timid, settled the wavering, and awed the disaffected ; of which latter there were many. It also induced the Six Nations of Indians, who had hitherto kept aloof, to take an active part in our favor. — Ibid, pp. 73, 74.

"Brigadier-General Hull was afterwards exchanged for thirty British prisoners ; and his trial commenced at Albany on the 5th of January, and ended on the 8th of March, 1814. The particulars may not be uninteresting, and are therefore extracted from the pages of Mr. O'Connor's book : —

"'Three charges were presented against him ; to wit, treason against the United States ; coivardice ; and neglect of duty, and unofficer- like conduct; to all which he pleaded Not Guilty. — The general

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