[cRUIKSHANK] GENERAL HULL’S INVASION OF CANADA IN 1812 285 
flouted his authority. He shrank from exposing a helpless throng of 
non-combatants, among whom was his own daughter and her children, 
to the horrors of an assault in which the terms of his own unlucky 
proclamation could be cited to justify a “war of extermination” and 
“an indiscriminate scene of desolation.” Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, 
the only officer of rank who continued to treat him with courtesy, was 
almost helpless with the ague and unable to command. Hull accord- 
ingly determined to surrender on the best terms possible, and named 
Lieut.-Colonel Miller and Colonel Brush as his representatives. There 
could have been little discussion, as within half an hour articles of 
capitulation were signed, by which Fort Detroit, with all public stores, 
arms, and documents was surrendered, and all troops of every descrip- 
tion under General Hull’s command became prisoners of war. At his 
particular request, Colonel McArthur’s force and that of Captain Brush 
were included on the condition that the latter should be permitted to 
return to their homes on parole. Protection was guaranteed to the 
persons and property of the inhabitants of Michigan. It was further 
agreed that the garrison should march out with the honours of war at 
noon. These terms were ratified at once, and two supplementary 
articles were added, by the first of which the Ohio Volunteers were 
permitted to return home on parole, and by the second the Michigan 
militia and volunteers, under the command of Major Witherell (the 
Michigan Legion), were placed on the same footing. 
No time was lost in taking possession of the town, but before the 
garrison was allowed to march out, the precaution was taken to place 
field-guns to command all the approaches to the fort, as there were 
signs of disorder and insubordination among the American volunteers. 
Major Witherell broke his sword, several soldiers smashed their muskets, 
and an Ohio officer actually attempted to stab Lieut.-Colonel Macdonell 
with his hunting knife as he was passing their linest ‘The British 
column was headed by the detachment of the 41st, followed in succes- 
sion by the uniformed militia, those not in uniform, a detachment of 
voyageurs, wearing red handkerchiefs tied about their heads, and finally, 
a large body of Indians, led bv their white officers and interpreters, 
most of whom were dressed and painted like the warriors under their 
command. When the whole force was drawn up on the esplanade, the 
Jnited States regulars marched out and stacked their arms and were 
followed, after some delay, by the Ohio and Michigan militia, many of 
whom looked very fierce and angry. 
The garrison flag was hauled down, and a small British ensign 
which a seaman of the Provincial Navy had brought with him wrapped 


1Quebec Mercury, 1812. 
