The city of Detroit, Michigan, 1701-1922; / Clarence M. Burton, editor-in-chief, William Stocking, associate editor, Gordon K. Miller, associated editor. [Vol. 2]

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CITY OF DETROIT

by the officers who had the Honor
to serve under his commandA small but grateful tribute to
his merit
and
his worth."
For more than ten years after the Treaty of Greenville, Detroit and the
Ohio settlements enjoyed comparative peace. A few depredations were committed by roving Indian bands, but there was no attempt at a general uprising.
The English, however, continued their efforts to keep the savages attached to
their interests and were liberal in the distribution of presents. Never had the
red-coats given up the idea of regaining possession of the western posts and his
majesty's officers continually usurped authority upon American soil. Many of
the Indians yet exhibited signs of hostility toward the Americans and on this
account, in the spring of 1807, a new stockade was constructed at Detroit.
Large bodies of Indians continually passing to and fro on their visits to the
British post at Amherstburg also kept the people of Detroit in a state of suspense.
On August 6, 1807, James May, adjutant general of the territory, ordered a
patrol guard of militia to be kept at the Indian council house, the guard to consist of three officers and twelve privates. On the 11th following he issued his
"General Orders," assigning the several companies to their respective positions
in case of attack. This document is interesting in showing the personnel of the
guard and the character of the defense.
"After this night the Guards will be kept in the following manner: Visgers'
and L'Ecuyers' companies will alternately furnish a guard of a Sergeant and
six privates, to be stationed at the old Blockhouse. The rifle company, the artillery and cavalry will furnish a sergeant and eight privates every night to be
kept at the north Blockhouse.
"Hickman's light infantry-Campeau's and Anderson's companies of the
first Regiment will alternately furnish a Subaltern Sergeant and twelve privates
as a guard to be kept in the East Blockhouse.
"The Adjutant-General will detail a Captain of the day, who will visit all
the Guards by night and give them their instructions. In case of an alarm or
attack on the place, the following disposition will be made of the Troops: Scott's
company of Riflemen at the north blockhouse, Anderson's company at the east
blockhouse, and L'Ecuyer's company at the old Blockhouse. Hickman's company will defend the Pickets between the two Blockhouses; Visger's, the Pickets
between the fort and the north Blockhouse; and Campeau's company, the
pickets between the east Blockhouse and the river; all the other companies will
form at Curry's Corner and wait for orders.
"Colonel Woodward will command from the West Blockhouse to the fort
and so on from the fort to the river, and on the river as far east as Abbott's
store, but in such manner as not to interfere with Captain Dyson's command.
"Colonel Brush will command from Abbott's store on the river to the east
gate; and north to the Blockhouse, including said blockhouse.
"In case the Enemy should break through the Pickets and get into the town
Hickman's company will immediately take possession of the Stone Council
House, Campeau's of the Bank, and Visger's of the Old Blockhouse and May's
stone house. Captain Dodemead's and Smith's companies will parade at the
stone council house, where they will receive their orders.