The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1859-05-17
THE BATTLE OF MONGUAGON.


State Historical Society at their meeting il
Detroit, week before last. 1t is an inter
esting contribution to our local history
Monguagan is in Wayne county. not fal
from the Mouth Of the Detroit River
Tho name and memory of Gen. Hui
have been loaded with obloquy and reproach
Traitor, coward and others opprobriou,
epithets have been freely showered upor
him.
In my boyhood. / knew him we'll Hi
appearance was venerable and dignifed
bis heart was the seat Of kindness; he wa
unquastionably an honest msn.
The "old settlers" Of Michigan. thos'
who knew him we'll, and who suffered mos
from tho last great error Of his life, acqui
him Of the charge Of treason. They be
lieve that age and perhaps premature men
tai decay, had unnerved him; that the re
sponsibility of the command of the army
and the charge of the civil government o
tho country. were too heavy for him; bu
that he carried as honest heart in hi
bosom as he did when he followed Mat
Anthony" at the head of his storming col
umns, over the ramparts Of Stony Point
The General had most excellent family
some of whom are yet living-one daugh
ter. l think. in Chicago. His only son fel
bravely fighting for his country at Lundy
Lane. Mrs Hull. a portly. fne-iookinl
woman. made it the principal business o
her life to visit the sick. and provide fol
the destitute poor. 1.-THE blessings o
many who were ready to perish we're hers
In 1907, the General built and occupief
the house known as the American Hotel,
where the Biddle House now stands
Gen. Hull was active in the discharge o.
bis duties. till the enemy was upon him
then he seemed entirely unnerved--he be
came irresolute and undetermined
Generals Cass and Macarthur We're alb
sent with their regiments; several off
cers and soldiers were cut to pieces by
cannon shot, in the fort, before his eyes
women were wailing, children were crying
and the General imagined that he saw the
whole country given up to fire and sword
to the tomahawk and scalping knife. Ii'
surrendered.
1t may perhaps'be interesting to some
new comers" to see how things looked "a
long time ago." and all the ''Old settlers
will recall to mind incidents of the days o
their trials, difficulties and dangers. an,
with that view l will give you copies o
some few original orders and communica
tions of Gen Hull and others, now in IN,
possession
"IIead Quarter. Sandwich, July l6, 1872
"Sir-Therc are some men of this arm,
without arms. under command of Majo
Van Horn. Yesterday they We're in tn
fort. wish 40 of them sent immediate
ly. under the command Of one or two OH
GERS. to the River Rouge. to assist Commc
dore Brevoort in preparing the brig Adam
| to be towed down the River (Rouge)
Respectfully Yours.
VIM. HULL, Brig Gen.
ITO Maj. Witherell. comd'ng at Detroit. y
On the next day the following order wa
SENT
Head Quarters. Sandwich. July II. 10
"Sir-The Queen Charlotte is now in th
river, near tho mouth of the River Cunar,
and is said to be debsrking troops on tn
shore. I have ordered down regime,
and two field pieces
1T will be necessary for your patrols
be vigilant Yours. &c.
! VIM. HULL, Brig. Gen.
ITO Major Witherell. cong at Detroit"
| On the 18th. the following riders W:
issued:
Head Quarters, Sandwich, July IS, ],
"Sir-You will please order Lit Forsyt
with the men under his command. TO GRO
the river. with the 4.pounder and join Il
troops in camp Immediately.
| Respectfully, &c,
! VIM HULL. Brig. Gen.
"Maj. James Witherell, CONG at Detroit
1t. Forsyth was the flasher Of the Ia
Major Forsyth. and Of Mrs Kercheval al
Mrs. Hunt.
On the eamc day the following ord
was received:
Sandwich, July Is. 1912
ITO Major Witherell:
"Sir-You will please furnish Comm
dore Brevoort with subaltern aud ftte'
men, to 60 to the River Rouge to bring l
spars for the Adams.
"By order of the General.
: II. H. HICKMAN, Abide Camp"
On the 25th, the following order W
issued. 1t was in the course Of prcpal
ton for storming For, Maiden
Head Quarters, Sandwich, Goth July, l
"Sir-I wish all the blacksniths at Z
troit to be employed in making pix
, (similar to the pattern herewith sent.) c
cepting such as are employed making {
iron work for the 34-pounders. l likewi
wish the carpenters. not employed on t
wheels, to make handles for them, It
pikes,) 10, IL, and IL feet long. Season
9 ash will be proper wood. This work to
3 done as privately as possible-not IL
ment's delay in it, Johnson's shop, Clarl
shop. indeed all. to be employed.
Respectfully yours, Nc,
WM HULL. Brig Gen
"Major Witherell. Detroit
"P. S.-There is no need Of any ST
: : on them"
The following letter from Commodc
: R.aroort to tho lata Col Rrush shows