Letter to Captain Alex. Hamilton from Charles Askin, 25 August 1812

Abstract

Please note: This letter contains language that reflect the time period when it was created and the view of its creator. This can include offensive and negative language, references, and stereotypes that are no longer used or appropriate today. The item(s) retain their original content to ensure that attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the historical record. The Archives & Special Collections are actively working on including more respectful and representative language in our own descriptions now and into the future.--------------------------------------------- Letter (7 pages) to Captain Alex. Hamilton, N. Lt. Dragoons, Niagara, from Charles Askin, Strabane. He writes that since George has left he has not had an opportunity to write, so any items of consequence that occurred in this quarter he has probably already heard from George. He regrets not having left with him as he has witnessed some shocking scenes. He states that Major Chambers was sent to River Raisin and Fort Miami to take possession of some block houses and destroy them, and to bring anything belonging to the United States, such as arms and provisions, to Amherstburgh. He writes that the commander at River Raisin refused to surrender. He notes that the "Indians" could not be got ready for a day or two, but at last they got off from Amherstburgh. When they arrived at the River Raisin, all the inhabitants had surrendered, agreeable to the capitulation of Detroit. He adds that the inhabitants were plundered by the "Indians", and that they were looking to them for protection as had been promised by our Government, but it was not in their power to provide it. He notes that hardly a horse was left in the settlement and the violence was great. They remained one day at River Raisin and then went to Fort Miami, where the "Indians" plundered, but not so greatly as at River Raisin. He adds that they have been forced to lock their horses in the stables at night and watch them well in the day time. He states that Colonel Procter is made Governor of the Michigan Territory and Judge Woodward is his Secretary, and that the Governor is too stiff to be very popular. Robert Dickson is expected here every day. He notes that there has been so much public property taken at Detroit that it is supposed there will be a great deal of prize money, August 25, 1812. A note next to the address states the letter was forwarded by Major Chambers.