The fuse was burning brightly as swiftly it sped on its errand of destruction. It passed over Jefferson avenue and fell upon the roof of the dwelling of Mr. Augustus Langdon, which stood on what is now called the southerly corner of Woodward avenue and Congress street. Passing through the upper rooms of the house, it fell upon a table around which the family were seated-and then descended through the floor to the cellar-the fuse burnt down nearly to the powder. The family fled with expedition to the street, which they had just reached, when the shell exploded— tearing up the floors, and carrying away a portion of the roof.

None of the citizens of the town were killed during the attack, though many of the dwellings were marked by the shot and shells of the enemy.

The fort occupied the high grounds near the residence of the late Judge McDonell. A shot passed over the front wall, and penetrated the barracks, which were on the north side, killing three officers who happened to be standing in the range of its course. Another shot struck the top of the front parapet, and passing through it, struck a soldier on the breast, killing him instantly without breaking the skin where it hit him.

One of the French citizens, who lived in a small house near the river, while the shots and shells were flying over him, stood unconcerned in his doorway smoking his pipe. Presently, a shell whizzed past him, taking with it, the pipe from his mouth. He was unharmed, but was so indignant, at the unceremonious treatment, and the loss of his pipe, that he seized his musket, and, rushing to the river, waded out as far as he could, and fired at the battery of the enemy until his ammunition was exhausted.

In the mean time, under cover of his batteries, Gen. Brock had crossed the river with his forces and landed at Springwells, a mile or two below the town. Here he formed his line and marched up a narrow lane leading from Springwells to the town, halting at a ravine just below the city. Here he remained unmolested, and partook of breakfast, while he dispatched an officer with a flag to ascertain why the American General sent a flag of truce across the river, when he was on this side. Gen. Hull sent Captain Snelling with a note to Gen. Brock, which he delivered; the purport of

which was that he agreed to surrender the fort. Col. McDonald and Captain Glegg were sent by Gen. Brock to agree upon the terms of the surrender.

Gen. Brock crossed with his army early on the morning of the 16th of August. It consisted of a regiment of regulars, volunteers in uniform, and un-uniformed militia. The exact number cannot be ascertained. According to Captain Snelling, who attempted to count them as they entered the fort, "there were in advance the troops of the 41st regiment, in platoons of fourteen files; as well as the York militia volunteers-twenty nine platoons, two deep, in red coats-that the militia platoons consisted of no more than seven or eight files, and composed one third of the whole force-probably seven hundred and fifty whites, of which the remaining twothirds were regulars and un-uniformed militia." But let the number be as it may, greater or less, the British General was permitted to land with as many, or as few troops as he chose, without opposition, without an arm raised or a gun fired to resist his progress, although he was seen from the ramparts of the fort to cross the river, and Gen. Hull informed of the fact.

The American force amounted to at least one thousand men fit for duty. Among the troops in garrison on the day of the surrender, there were two troops of mounted men, a part of the fourth regiment of infantry, several detachments of the first infantry, Capt. Dyson's artillery and the Michigan Legion, who were esteemed to be among the best disciplined and bravest soldiers of the army; also Col. Brush's regiment of militia.

There was also in the fort an abundant supply of field pieces, arms and ammunition, and provisions sufficient to stand a short siege. Disposition was even made by Gen. Hull of the troops, indicating that he intended to defend his flag and punish the temerity of his antagonist. The forces were drawn out and formed into line. The militia under Col. Brush, were posted in defence of the town. Col. Findlay's regiment of near five hundred strong, together with the Michigan Legion, formed a line in advance of the Fort towards Springwells, and so as to close with the militia under Col. Brush. The artillery, ammunition, and part of the fourth Regiment were at the batteries on the bank of the river.

The Fort itself was defended by a part of the fourth regiment of infantry, and was amply provided with means of defence, even if our troops had been forced to retreat to it. It stood on an eminence, the highest ground within a circumference of several miles. As described by an officer who had charge of the ordnance department at that time, it was a regular half bastion fort, composed of four curtains and four half bastions, about one hundred yards on each face, not including the half bastions, about seventy-five yards being the extreme length of the curtain. It was partly made of earth; the parapet was eleven feet in elevation; the thickness of the top of the parapet was about twelve feet; the banquet for infantry six feet from the foundation or level of the Fort, and five feet for the parapet; the whole width of the rampart at its base twentysix feet. At the bottom of the exterior or slope of the parapet there was a horizontal space of ground about two or three feet in width, extending around the whole circumference of the work. The ditch upon an average was from five to six feet deep, and at the bottom twelve feet wide. In the bottom of the ditch around the Fort, there was a row of pickets of cedar, nearly new, and twelve feet high; they were fastened together by a rib. The gate was thoroughly made of plank with spikes; over the gate was a look-out house strongly built; cannon were mounted in the embrazures; the fort was generally in good order, and in good repair. There was in the Fort at that time, thirty-five pieces of ordnance, from twenty-four pounders down to six inch howitzers, twenty-five hundred stand of arms, fourteen thousand cannon balls, seventeen hundred shells, four thousand hand grenades, three and a half tuns of lead, some of which was run into balls, one hundred thousand flints, seven hundred rounds of fixed ammunition for the cannon, and about ten thousand pounds of powder.

Major Jessup had obtained the consent of Gen. Hull to take out some pieces of artillery to fire upon the enemy as they approached. He was proceeding to his command when he noticed that the line which had been so advantageously formed for driving the enemy back, was breaking up and retreating to the Fort. Inquiring of an officer what it meant, he was told to "look to the fort." He did so, and there saw a white flag flying. Riding up to the fort, he

inquired of Gen. Hull "if it was possible he was about to surrender ?" He received an affirmative reply. The troops were all ordered to the fort. The aids of the British General were there to complete the capitulation-articles were entered into, by which Fort Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well as militia, were surrendered to the British forces under Major General Brock, and both were considered prisoners of war, except such of the Michigan militia as had not joined the army. Public property of every description was given to the enemy. The detachment of Ohio militia at the Raisin, and Col. McArthur's detachment, were included in the conditions of the stipulation. The officers and soldiers of the Michigan and Ohio militia and volunteers, were permitted to return to their homes, not to serve during the war, unless exchanged. The American soldiers marched out of the fort at 12 o'clock on the 16th of August, and the British forces took possession. The regulars of the United States army were taken prisoners to Quebec. Gen. Hull was taken to Montreal, and was afterwards exchanged.

The British established a temporary government under Proctor, and stationed a small force in the fort. The citizens of the territory and town suffered dreadfully from the Indians. They were numerous and insolent, claiming as a right the privilege of plundering and laying waste every house and farm in the territory. It is well known that the worst passions of these savages were excited by their British allies against the American people. They lost no opportunity of gratifying their vindictiveness and ferocious enmity.

Gen. Brock appears to have been quite as much surprised, as pleased, at his unexpected success. His communication to Provost, announcing the fall of Detroit, was written upon the spot, and at the moment of his triumph-under the exhilaration of an unlooked for and bloodless victory. It bears date, "Detroit, August 16th, 1812," and says: "I hasten to apprise your Excellency of the capture of this very important post. Twenty-five hundred troops have this day surrendered prisoners of war, and about twenty-five pieces of ordnance, have been taken without the sacrifice of a drop of British blood. I had not more than 600 troops, including militia, and about 600 Indians, to accomplish this service. When I detail my good fortune, your Excellency will be astonished."

Thus occurred this memorable transaction, which excited in the bosom of every American, feelings of the deepest indignation. Never had the American army, until then, yielded to the arrogant demands of an enemy, or been compelled by its commander, quietly to submit, without striking a single blow in defence. Had Gen. Hull listened to the advice which he received from his brave officers, and planted a battery at Springwells, Gen. Brock would never have stepped on American soil. He would have been forced to abandon his attempt to land, or else subjected his men to total and complete destruction. Had he permitted his soldiers to fire upon the enemy after they had landed, they would have been cut to pieces on their march from Springwells to the town. Gen. Hull might at that time have so disposed of his troops and artillery, as to shoot them down as they approached. Such was the unanimous opinion of the officers and soldiers; nay of all, who were participants in the scene. But not the slightest effort at resistance was made. Not a man in our army, but was on the alert, anxiously waiting the order for attack. They stood by their guns, ready to deal death and destruction upon the advancing columns of their enemies. Hope animated all, for they reasonably expected that the moment of victory had arrived, and each one had nerved his arm to strike a blow that would bring triumph to his flag. But alas, no such order was given. The lips of the commanding General were sealed. Not a word of hope or encouragement did he utter; not even an order to fire a single gun. He did at length give an order, but it was one which struck horror and anguish to the hearts of the brave men, who saw their enemies before them, within their reach, and yet were prevented by obedience to military discipline from obtaining a proud and glorious triumph over the presumptuous invaders-it was an order to retreat to the Fort. They reluctantly obeyed, and as they turned towards the Fort, they saw spread to the breeze, and flying in triumph over the star spangled banner, the white flag of surrender. At that sight, the heart of that army, as if it was that of one man, was chilled to the core. It was then too late to change the current of events. Had the intention of Gen. Hull been known but a little earlier, some one of the brave spirits, whom he outranked, would have placed himself at the head of the army and driven the enemy from American territory.