War of 1812: Isaac Brock and The Fall of Fort Detroit

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War of 1812: Isaac Brock and The Fall of Fort Detroit

Andrew Arndt

Marion M. Graham Collegiate Institute

History 30, Period 6

Mr. Dewar

For most of a decade, there were whispers and rumours going around that there would be a war between the United States and Canada. Also, some members of the American Congress were openly calling for war. Indeed, these rumours became true when President Madison declared war on Canada, Turner (1982), "On June 1, 1812, President Madison asked Congress to declare war on Great Britain. He gave five reasons. First was impressment. Second, he complained of British ships off the coast stopping and searching American vessels. Third, was the British blockade by which, he said, American commerce had been "plundered in every sea." Fourth came the Orders in Council. Finally, Madison blamed the British, not the Americans, for starting Indian warfare in the West!" (Turner, 1982, p. 20). On June 18, Congress passed a bill approving the President's call for war and Madison signed it. The War of 1812 had officially begun.

The American General, William Hull was leading a force of over 2000 American regulars and militia towards Detroit. After marching through the thick forests while being poured on by rain, the men were too sick to keep marching on. Hull decided to hire a ship, called "Cayahoga", to take them the rest of the way. Hull's papers, his battle plans, were sent with the ship. On July 3, General Hunter captured the Cayahoga and sent Hull's papers immediately to Issac Brock. This gave the British a huge advantage now that they knew Hull's orders and the size of his army. On July 5, Hull arrived in Detroit. On July 12, Hull crossed the river to Sandwich and conquered it. This was the first invasion of...