July 12 1812: Militia to March

On July 29, 1812, Major General Isaac Brock, in Upper Canada, again writes to Sir George Prevost, in Lower Canada this time to update him on the capture of Fort Mackinac in Michigan.  Brock writes: "The Capture of Michilimackinac may produce great changes to the Westward — The actual invasion of the Province justifies every act of hostility on the American territory." He notes that the Militia is now willing to march. Brock`s letter is reproduced below.

MAJOR-GENERAL BROCK TO SIR GEORGE PREVOST. (EXTRACT.) 

York July 29 1812 

Sir, I have the honor to transmit herewith a dispatch this instant received from Captain Roberts announcing the surrender by Capitulation on the 17th Instant of Fort Michilimackinac- — 

The conduct of this officer since his appointment to the Command of that distant part of the Province, has been distinguished by much zeal and judgment, and his recent eminent display of those qualities, Your Excellency will find, has been attended with a most happy effect — The Militia stationed here volunteered this morning without the least hesitation their services to any part of the Province — I have, selected one hundred whom I have directed to proceed without delay to -Long point — where I propose collecting a force for the relief of Amherstburg — This example, I hope, will be followed by as many as may be required — By the Militia law a man refusing to march may be fined five pounds, or confined three months, and although I have assembled the Legislature for the express purpose of amending the act, I much fear nothing material will be done. Your Excellency will scarcely believe that this infatuated House of Assembly have refused by a majority of two to suspend for a limited time the Habeas Corpus — 

The Capture of Michilimackinac may produce great changes to the Westward — The actual invasion of the Province justifies every act of hostility on the American territory- It was not until this morning I was honored with Your Excellency's dispatches dated the 7th and 10th Instant — Their contents, I beg to assure your Excellency, have relieve (d) my mind considerably — I doubt whether General Hull had instructions to cross to this side the river — I rather suspect he was compelled by a want of provisions — I embark immediately in the Prince Regent for Fort George, I return here the day after tomorrow, and probably dissolve the Legislature —