The Story of Isaac Brock: Hero, Defender and Saviour of Upper Canada, 1812Nursey, Walter R.
History
The Story of Isaac Brock: Hero, Defender and Saviour of Upper Canada, 1812
Nursey, Walter R.
Brock, Isaac, Sir, 1769-1812; Canada -- History -- 1763-1867; United States -- History -- War of 1812
It was then that those officers who strongly opposed Brock's
determination to attack became suddenly wise after the event and eager
to share the honour. The temptation to improve the opportunity, to any
man less strong than our hero, would have been irresistible, but there
was no display of vainglory, no cheap boasting. The sword of the
conquered American general was accepted with manly deference and the
consideration due to his rank, and he was told, without solicitation on
his part, he could return to the United States on parole. Then Brock
hurriedly dictated a brief and modest despatch apprising Sir George
Prevost of the "capture of this very important post," and quite
realizing that he was merely an instrument in the hands of Providence,
and gratitude and the happiness of those he held most dear being
uppermost in his mind, the captor of Detroit wrote this characteristic
letter.
"Headquarters, Detroit,
"August 16, 1812.
"My dear Brothers and Friends,--Rejoice at my good fortune and join
me in prayers to heaven. I send you a copy of my hasty note to Sir
George. Let me know that you are all united and happy.
"ISAAC."
And so it came about that in this strange and noble fashion General
Brock--"Master Isaac of St. Peter's Port"--overcame the enemy in the
wilds of Michigan and passed his _fourth_ milestone.
CHAPTER XXI.
CHAGRIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
The conduct of the Indians under Tecumseh at Detroit had been marked by
great heroism and strict adherence to their pledges. "The instant the
enemy submitted, his life became sacred." In recognition of Tecumseh's
work, and in the presence of the troops formed in the fort square, Brock
handed him his silver-mounted pistols, and taking off his sash, tied it
round the body of the chief.
A suspicion of a smile--the faint smile of elation of the well-trained
child accepting a prize--flitted across the Indian's finely chiselled
face as, proudly inclining his head, he silently took the crimson band.
Then unwinding his own parti-colored, closely-woven Red River belt,
"Would the great white _shemogonis_ (warrior)," he whispered, "accept
the simple sash of the Shawanese in return?"
To this there was a sequel. The next day, when he bade Brock farewell,
Tecumseh wore no sash. "Roundhead," he explained, "was an older, an
abler warrior than himself. While he was present he could not think of
wearing such a badge of distinction." He had given the sash to the
Wyandotte chieftain. Tecumseh proved himself a greater diplomat than
Hull.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account