August 21 1812: Letter from General Foos

On August 21, 1812, General Joseph Foos, who had operated a ferry on the Scioto River and had suggested the name Columbus for the new capital of Ohio, writes  a letter about the surrender of Detroit.

Madison county, Head of Deer Creek; August 21,1812. 
Sir—I hasten to drop a line by the governor's express, he carries the melancholy news of the surrender of Detroit, with the whole territory of Michigan, by general Hull, to the British government, without a struggle. Our brave countrymen are now prisoners of war. If the whole requisition late called for, in the three first brigades, in the 2d division, have not yet marched, you will use every exertion by starting expresses to ride night and day, to get them started. You will then direct them to proceed to Urbanna, by forced marches. The Public stores on the frontiers are to be protected.

JOSEPH FOOS. Brigadier-general, 4th brigade, 2d division.