War of 1812 Bicentennial

Upper Canada.

Commencement of Hostilities.

The following are copies of letters received from Upper Canada, containing the account of the capture of Fort Michilimackinac; and the unsuccessful attempts of the American Governor Hull at the River Canard.

Makinac, July 18, 1812.  

Dear sir—I am happy to have it in my power to announce to you, that Fort Mackina capitulated to us on the 17th inst. at 11 o'clock, A. M.—Captain Roberts at our head, with part of the 10th R. Vet. Battalion—Mr. Crawford had the command of the Canadians, which consisted of about 200 men; Mr. Dickson 113 Scoux Forlavoins and Winebegoes, myself about 280 men Attawas and Chippewas, part of Attawas of L'arbre Croche, had not arrived. It was a fortunate circumstance that the Fort capitulated without firing a single gun, for had they done so, I firmly believe not a soul of them would have been saved. My son, Charles Longlade, Augustine Nolin, and Michelle Cadotte, junr. have rendered me great service in keeping the Indians in order, and executing from time to time such commands as were delivered to me by the Commanding Officer. I never saw so determined a set of people as the Chippwas and Attawas were.

Since the capitulation, they have not drank a single drop of liquor, nor even killed a fowl belonging to any person, a thing never known before for they gene­rally destroy every thing they meet with.

      I am, dear sir,

Your most obedient servt. 

(Signed)      John Askin, junr. 

Store-keep. Dep.

The Hon. Col. W. Claus, &c. &c.

      Fort George.