[cRUIKSHANK] GENERAL HULL’S INVASION OF CANADA IN 1812 287 
ing the ford and was commanded by higher ground on the opposite 
side closely overgrown by thickets. The flat on the left of the road 
had been planted with Indian corn, then five or six feet in height, but 
interspersed with thickets and clumps of trees. The ford was muddy 
and difficult, and in approaching it the columns were obliged to close 
together until they were only a few yards apart. It was an ideal place 
for an ambuscade, and the Indians were absolutely hidden from sight 
in the tall corn and thickets on both sides of the road and in front 
in a position to maintain a converging fire upon the column. At the 
first volley most of the mounted men in front and several officers were 
killed or wounded or unhorsed. Frightened horses plunged madly 
through the column throwing it into hopeless confusion. The 
musketry from his hidden assailants was so incessant and effective 
and their yells so shrill and vehement on both sides of the road 
that Van Horne believed he was attacked by a far superior force and 
hastily ordered a retreat which soon became a flight. The mounted 
escort threw away the mail bags, abandoned the packhorses and galloped 
off, followed by many of the infantry at so fast a pace that they com- 
pletely outran a small party of Indians who attempted to intercept them. 
The pursuit was continued for about three miles, the fugitives scarcely 
firing a shot in defence. Many left the road and hid themselves in 
the woods. Eighteen were killed, among them being no less than seven 
officers, and twelve were wounded but made their escape. Next day 
seventy were still reported missing, but a good many of these subse- 
quently made their way to Detroit. One young Shawnee was killed and 
two Chippewas were wounded. Two unfortunate Americans were cap- 
tured and deliberately slaughtered some hours later by the comrades of 
the slain Shawnee. Many arms and accoutrements were left on the 
field, but the most valuable prize was the mail, which was found to 
contain a variety of letters from persons of all ranks in the Amer- 
ican army revealing much discontent and want of confidence in their 
officers and that sickness was prevalent. A copy of General Hull’s 
despatch to the Secretary of War of the 4th of August, which thoroughly 
disclosed his embarrassment and vacillation of mind, was also taken. 
Doubt, hesitation, and apprehension plainly dominated his mind and 
he frankly confessed that the situation of his army was critical. His 
plans for future operation were completely exposed. Another interesting 
document was a letter from Captain McCullough to his wife describing 
his exploit of killing and scalping an Indian at the River Canard, which 
has been already noticed.1 

*, Richardson, Operations, Right Division; Montreal Gazette, 1812; Proc- 
ter to Brock, 11th August, 1812; Prevost to Bathurst, 24th August, 1812. 
Sec. II., 1907. 17. € 
