aggrandisement were not only totally defeated, but their whole western
frontier was laid open to the inroads of the hostile Indians, and at the
mercy of a people still warm with indignation at the late
invasion."--_Ib_., pp. 72, 73.

General Brock, the day after taking Detroit, addressed to the
inhabitants of the Michigan territory the following Proclamation:

"Whereas the territory of Michigan was this day, by capitulation, ceded
to the arms of his Britannic Majesty, without any other condition than
the protection of private property; and wishing to give an early proof
of the moderation and justice of his Majesty's government, I do hereby
announce to all the inhabitants of the said territory, that the laws
heretofore in existence shall continue in force until his Majesty's
pleasure be known, and so long as the peace and safety of the said
territory will admit thereof; and I do hereby also declare and make
known to the said inhabitants, that they shall be protected in the full
exercise and enjoyment of their religion--of which all persons, both
civil and military, will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly.

"All persons having in their possession, or having knowledge of any
public property, shall forthwith deliver in the same, or give notice
thereof to the officer commanding, or to Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholl, who
are duly authorized to receive and give the proper receipts for the
same.

"Officers of militia will be held responsible that all arms in
possession of the militiamen be immediately delivered up; and all
individuals whatever who have in possession arms of any kind, will
deliver them up without delay.

"Given under my hand, at Detroit, this 16th day of August, 1812, and in
the 52nd year of his Majesty's reign. God save the King.

(Signed) "ISAAC BROCK,
"_Major-General_."

The purport and spirit of this proclamation was very different from
those issued by successful American commanders in former years, when
they required the conquered to take a new oath of allegiance, to enrol
themselves in a new army under pain of confiscation of property,
imprisonment, and even death. The true genius of English government is
justice, law, and liberty; the genius of democratic government is the
domination of party, and the spoils to the victors. In the conquest of a
vast territory by General Brock, there was no plunder or sacrifice of
life, by Indian or soldier, much less plunder for the benefit of the
genera