Canadians, which consisted of about 200 men; Mr. Dickenson 143 Sioux, Forlavians, and Winebagoes; and myself about 280 men, Attawas and Chippewas, part of Attawas of L'harb Croche had not arrived. It was fortunate circumstance, the fort capitulated without firing a single gun, for had they done so, I firmly believe not a soul of them would have been saved.* My son, Charles Longdale, Augustin Nolin, and Machello Badotte, jr. have rendered me great service in keeping the Indians in order, and in executing, from time to time, such commands as were delivered by the commanding officer. I never saw so determined a set of people as the Chippewas and Attawas. Since the capitulation they have not drank a single drop of liquor, nor even killed a fowl belonging to any person, (a thing never known before) for they generally destroy every thing they meet with. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, The hon. col. W. Claus, &c. Fort George. SIR, DETROIT, 4th August, 1812. I take the earliest opportunity to acquaint your excellency of the surrender of the garrison of Michilimackinac, under my command, to his Britannic majesty's forces under the command of captain Charles Roberts, on the 17th ultimo, the particulars of which are as follows:-On the 16th, I was informed by the Indian interpreter, that he had discovered from an Indian that the several nations of Indians then at St. Joseph, (a British garrison, distant about forty miles) intended to make an immediate attack on Michilimackinac. I was inclined, from the coolness I had discovered in some of the principal chiefs of the Ottawa and Chippewa nations, who had but a few days before professed the greatest friendship for the United States, to place confidence in this report. I immediately called a meeting of the American gentlemen at that time on the island, in which it was thought proper to despatch a confidential person to St. Joseph to watch the motions of the Indians. Captain Daurman, of the militia, was thought the most suitable for this service. He embarked about sun-set, and met the British forces within ten or fifteen miles of the island, by whom he was made prisoner and put on his parole of honor. He was landed on the island at day-break, with positive directions to give me no intelligence whatever. He was also instructed to take the inhabitants of the village indiscriminately to a place on the west side of the island, where their persons and property * British magnanimity. should be protected by a British guard; but should they go to the fort, they would be subject to a general massacre by the savages, which would be inevitable if the garrison fired a gun. This information I received from doctor Day, who was passing through the village when every person was flying for refuge to the enemy. Immediately on being informed of the approach of the enemy, I placed ammunition, &c. in the block-houses; ordered every gun charged, and made every preparation for action. About 9 o'clock I could discover that the enemy were in possession of the heights that commanded the fort, and one piece of their artillery directed to the most defenceless part of the garrison. The Indians at this time were to be seen in great numbers in the edge of the woods. At half past 11 o'clock, the enemy sent in a flag of truce, demanding a surrender of the fort and island to his Britannic majesty's forces. This, sir, was the first information I had of the declaration of war; I, however, had anticipated it, and was as well prepared to meet such an event as I possibly could have been with the force under my command, amounting to 57 effective men, including officers. Three American gentlemen, who were prisoners, were permitted to accompany the flag: from them I ascertained the strength of the enemy to be from nine hundred to one thousand strong, consisting of regular troops, Canadians and savages; that they had two pieces of artillery, and were provided with ladders and ropes for the purpose of scaling the works if necessary. After I had obtained this information, I consulted my officers and also the American gentlemen present, who were very intelligent men; the result of which was, that it was impossible for the garrison to hold out against such a superior force. In this opinion I fully concurred, from the conviction that it was the only measure that could prevent a general massacre. The fort and garrison were accordingly surrendered. The enclosed papers exhibit copies of the correspondence between the officer commanding the British forces and myself, and of the articles of capitulation. This subject involved questions of a peculiar nature; and I hope, sir, that my demands and protests will meet the approbation of my government. I cannot allow this opportunity to escape without expressing my obligation to doctor Day for the service he rendered me in conducting this correspondence. In consequence of this unfortunate affair, I beg leave, sir, to demand that a court of inquiry may be ordered to investigate all the facts connected with it; and I do further request, that the court may be specially directed to express their opinion on the merits of the case. I have the honour to be, sir, &c P. HANKS, Lieutenant of Artillery. His Excellency Gen. Hull, Commanding the N. W. Army. P. S. The following particulars relating to the British force were obtained after the capitulation, from a source that admits of no doubt. It may also be remarked, that one hundred and fifty Chippewas and Ottawas joined the British two days after the capitulation. P. H. SANDWICH, August 7, 1812. SIR, On the 4th instant major Van Horn, of colonel Findlay's regiment of Ohio volunteers, was detached from this army, with the command of 200 men, principally riflemen, to proceed to the river Raisin, and further, if necessary, to meet and reinforce captain Brush, of the state of Ohio, commanding a company of volunteers, and escorting provisions for this army. At Brownstown, a large body of Indians had formed an ambuscade, and the major's detachment received a heavy fire, at the distance of fifty yards from the enemy. The whole detachment retreated in disorder. Major Van Horn made every exertion to form, and prevent the retreat, that was possible for a brave and gallant officer, but without success. By the return of killed and wounded, it will be perceived that the loss of officers was uncommonly great. Their efforts to rally their companions was the occasion of it. I am, very respectfully, Your most obedient servant, Hon. Wm. Eustis, Secretary of War. WM. HULL. Killed, 7 officers-10 privates:-number of wounded unknown. SIR, DETROIT, August 13, 1812. The main body of the army having re-crossed the river to Detroit, on the night and morning of the 8th instant, 600 men were immediately detached under the command of lieutenant colonel Miller, to open the communication to the river Raisin, and protect the provisions under the escort of captain Brush. This detachment consisted of the 4th United States' regiment, and two small detachments under the command of lieutenant Stansbury, and ensign M'Labe of the 1st regiment, detachments from the Ohio and Michigan volunteers, a corps of artillerists, with one six pounder and an howitzer under the command of lieutenant Eastman, and a part of captains Smith and Sloan's cavalry, commanded by captain Sloan of the Ohio volunteers. Lieutenant colonel Miller marched from Detroit on the afternoon of the 8th instant, and on the 9th, about 4 o'clock, P. M. the van guard, commanded by captain Snelling of the 4th United States' regiment, was fired on by an extensive line of British troops and Indians at the lower part of the Magaugo, about 14 miles from Detroit. At this time the main body was marching in two columns, and captain Snelling maintained his position in a most gallant manner, under a very heavy fire, until the line was formed and advanced to the ground he occupied, when the whole, excepting the rear guard, was brought into action. The enemy were formed behind a temporary breast-work of logs, the Indians extending in a thick wood on their left. Lieutenant colonel Miller ordered his whole line to advance, and when within a small distance of the enemy made a general discharge, and proceeded with charged bayonets, when the British line and Indians commenced a retreat. They were pursued in a most vigorous manner about two miles, and the pursuit discontinued only on account of the fatigue of the troops, the approach of evening, and the necessity of returning to take care of the wounded, The judicious arrangements made by lieutenant colonel Miller, and the gallant manner in which they were executed, justly entitle him to the highest honour. From the moment the line commenced the fire, it continually moved on, and the enemy maintained their position until forced at the point of the bayonet. The Indians on the left, under the command of Tecumseh, fought with great obstinacy, but were continually forced and compelled to retreat. The victory was complete in every part of the line, and the success would have been more brilliant had the cavalry charged the enemy on the retreat, when a most favorable opportunity presented. Although orders were given for the purpose, unfortunately they were not executed. Majors Van Horn and Morrison, of the Ohio volunteers, were associated with lieutenant colonel Miller, as field officers in this command, and were highly distinguished by their exertions in forming the line, and the firm and intrepid manner they led their respective commands to action. Captain Baker of the 1st United States' regiment, captain Brevoort of the 2d, and captain Hull of the 13th, my aid-decamp, and lieutenant Whistler of the 1st, requested permission to join the detachment as volunteers. Lieutenant colonel Miller assigned to captain Baker and lieutenant Whistler, separate commands; and captains Brevoort and Hull, at his request attended his person and aided him in the general arrangements. Lieutenant colonel Miller has mentioned the conduct of those officers in terms of high approbation. In addition to the captains who have been named, lieutenant colonel Miller has mentioned captains Burton and Fuller of the 4th regiment, captains Saunders and Brown of the Ohio volunteers, and captain Delandre of the Michigan volunteers, who were attached to his command, and distinguished by their valour. It is impossible for me, in this communication, to do justice to the officers and soldiers, who gained the victory which I have described. They have acquired high honour to themselves, and are justly entitled to the gratitude of their country. Major Muir of the 41st regiment, commanded the British in this action. The regulars and volunteers consisted of about 400, and a large number of Indians. Major Muir and two subalterns were wounded, one of them since dead. About forty Indians were found dead on the field, and Tecumseh, their leader, was slightly wounded. The number of wounded Indians who escaped has not been ascertained. Four of major Muir's detachment have been made prisoners, and fifteen of the 41st regiment killed and wounded. The militia and volunteers attached to his command, were in the severest part of the action, and their loss must have been great-it has not yet been ascertained. I have the honour to be, yours, &c. Brig. Gen. commanding N. W. Army. Hon. Wm. Eustis, Secretary of War. Killed and wounded in the action near Maguago, Aug. 9, 1812. 4th U.S. regiment-10 non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and 45 wounded. Ohio and Michigan volunteers-8 killed and 12 wounded. GENERAL HULL'S CAPITULATION. DEAR SIR, DETROIT, August 12, 1812. I have several times written to you since I heard you were on your march, but I find that my letters have never reached you. Two detachments have been sent to meet you, but both returned with loss. We have abandoned Canada, and the British force is now opposite this place pointing their artillery; the firing will commence shortly. I fear you will not be able to see us. If possible take care of yourself and party. The enemy may not have force to see you and attend to us. The bearer will, or can give you a hint of our situation. Adieu, I have not time to write. Captain H. Brush. Respectfully yours, |