The rest of the day was occupied in planning the attack, while the guns at Sandwich were pouring forth a desultory fire to which Fort Detroit replied. Brock wanted to lead his army across the river. Nearly all his staff opposed him, but he had two brave men who agreed with him. One was his quartermaster-general, Colonel Nichol, and the other was Tecumseh. Brock had confidence in Tecumseh and he in Brock. On the occasion of their meeting, Brock, though it was past midnight, was busy at his table with his plans and despatches. In the dimly lighted room these two warriors looked at each other. Brock saw an Indian brave. Tecumseh saw a brave Briton. He turned to his followers, and almost in the words of Brutus describing Antony long ago, he said: “_This is a man._” Brock reciprocated this high regard. Of the Indian warrior he wrote: “A more sagacious or a more gallant warrior does not, I believe, exist. He was the admiration of every one who conversed with him.” Brock discussed his plans of attack with Tecumseh and asked the chief if he could give him definite information. Tecumseh, who had an intimate knowledge of the district which Brock planned to make the scene of his first engagement, took a piece of birch bark and, laying it on the ground, made a military map, showing all the natural features of the district. Brock and Colonel Nichol examined the map, and the former advised with his staff no more. His decision was made and needed no further deliberating. He would cross the Detroit River in the morning, though Prevost and the War Office had said him “Nay!” CHAPTER VII DETROIT TAKEN AUGUST 16th, then, sees Major-General Isaac Brock and his men embarked for the American shore. Tecumseh had not waited for the main body, but with Colonel Elliott and six hundred Indians had crossed the night before, as an advance guard to hold the enemy should they attempt to hinder Brock.