that his warriors might be relied
on, adding, that before leaving their country on the Wabash river, they
had promised him not to taste that pernicious liquor until they had
humbled the "big knives," meaning the Americans. In reply to this
assurance, General Brock briefly said: 'If this resolution be persevered
in, you must conquer.'"

In a general order on the 14th of August, at Amherstburg, in announcing
his arrival in the western district, Major-General Brock observed: "The
major-general cannot avoid expressing his surprise at the numerous
desertions which have occurred from the ranks of the militia, to which
circumstance the long stay of the enemy on this side of the river must
in a great measure be ascribed. He is willing to believe that their
conduct proceeded from an anxiety to get in their harvest, and not from
any predeliction for the principles or government of the United States."

The next day, the American commander was startled by a summons to
surrender; and so resolute a demand seems to have struck him with
dismay, as at the worst he had never contemplated a pursuit into his own
territory.

Head Quarters, Sandwich, Aug. 15, 1812.

The force at my disposal authorizes me to require of you the
immediate surrender of Fort Detroit.[67] It is far from my
inclination to join in a war of extermination; but you must be
aware, that the numerous body of Indians who have attached
themselves to my troops, will be beyond my control the moment
the contest commences. You will find me disposed to enter into
such conditions as will satisfy the most scrupulous sense of
honor. Lieut.-Colonel M'Donell and Major Glegg are fully
authorized to conclude any arrangement that may lead to
prevent the unnecessary effusion of blood.
ISAAC BROCK, Major-General.
Brigadier-General Hull.

Hull refused to see Captain Glegg, who carried the summons, and, after
detaining him upwards of two hours, returned the following answer:

Head Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 15, 1812.

I have received your letter of this date. I have no other
reply to make than to inform you, that I am prepared to meet
any force which may be at your disposal, and any consequences
which may result from any exertion of it you may think proper
to make.
W. HULL, Brigadier-General,
Commanding the N.W. Army of the U.S.

Nothing daunted, and contrary to the advice of some of his officer