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

Snelling. A few hours after its departure Hull issued orders for all troops to
be ready to move at a moment's notice. The men became eager when the
order was read to them, for they believed it meant that Malden was to be
attacked. On the strength of the order, Colonel McArthur, with 150 men,
marched down the river as far as Petite Cote, a small settlement about a mile
above the bridge over Aux Canards River, where he effected a junction with
Snelling's party. He had been instructed to ascertain the situation at the
bridge. Accompanied by his adjutant, McArthur went to the top of a ridge,
from which they could see a battery on the south side of the river, supported
by about one hundred and twenty-five British troops and Indians. While on
the ridge, McArthur was fired upon by a gunboat, whose presence until then he
had not suspected.
A number of Indians crossed the river on the bridge timbers and became
engaged in a skirmish with the American troops. Soon a larger number, under
Tecumseh, crossed over and the engagement became more general. Fearing
he might be cut off, McArthur sent back for reinforcements. Colonel Cass
was ordered to take 150 men and a six-pounder and hasten to McArthur's
support. Cass met the retreating Americans at Turkey Creek, whereupon
McArthur rallied his men, joined Cass, and together they advanced to the
bridge, where a few artillery shots were exchanged, but without effect. The
troops then marched back to Sandwich. There were no losses.
CAPTURE OF MACKINAC
The neglect of our Government to notify the frontier posts and commandants
of the declaration of war caused a serious disaster at this time, one which vitally
affected the fate of Detroit. As before stated, Hull did not know of the declaration until after the capture of the Cuyahoga, although St. George had, for
some days, been aware of the declaration and was awaiting him. John Askin
noted that the news of the declaration of war reached him (at Sandwich) at
midnight of July 1st, and it was some time after this that Hull was informed.
Lieut. Porter Hanks was in command of the American fort at Mackinac
and he was likewise ignorant of the declaration of war. Capt. Charles Roberts, in command of the British post, Fort St. Joseph, on St. Joseph's Island
in St. Mary's River near the Canadian shore, planned to attack and capture
Fort Mackinac (or Michilimackinac) and hastily set out with such forces as
he could muster, consisting of about 200 Canadians and 280 Indians, also 40
men of the 10th R. V. Battalion.
The best account of the capture of the place is contained in the report of
John Askin, Jr., who had command of the Indians on the expedition. (Michigan Historical Collection, XXXII-482.) The expedition reached Mackinac
Island an hour before daybreak and waited for dawn. On landing they hastily
crossed the island, dragging their one six-pounder, and placed it upon the rising
ground which commanded the fort. At 10 o'clock on the morning of July
17th a flag of truce was sent to the fort, with a demand for surrender. Lieutenant
Hanks felt compelled to surrender, as he was taken by surprise, and totally
unable to resist the threatened assault. In one hour's time the fort was in the
possession of the British, not a shot having been fired. Great credit should
be given to Roberts and Askin that the Indians were not permitted to commit
any depredations. Askin reported that it was "a happy thing for the Americans that they did not fire a shot, for had they fired and wounded any person,