Fort Amherstburg Burns
With the loss of Lake Erie, the war in the Western District shifted, and everyone knew it, especially Tecumseh. Whereas he considered the late General Brock “to be a Man,” he considers Brock’s replacement, General Proctor, fit only to “wear petticoats.” He seethes at Proctor’s indecisiveness, his secrecy and his tendency to panic. Dissolution is creeping into his thoughts. Tecumseh is not in this war to help the British. His dream of banding together his warring tribes into a Grand Confederacy so that they may hold onto their way of life is beginning to fade. He needs the British, yet here they are, preparing to evacuate. Proctor’s superiors at Niagara-on-the-Lake advise him to move slowly. There is no need to make this retreat look like panic. In their minds, Perry’s fleet was sufficiently mauled for him to require some refit. Meanwhile, get the women and children, both white and native, along with the baggage, to the mouth of the Thames in an orderly fashion. It is September 18th before Proctor finally meets with Tecumseh. Tecumseh outlines his plan: allow American General Harrison to land and march on Fort Amherstburg. The British will do a frontal assault while the Natives will attack from the flank. Should that fail, they can make a stand at River-aux-Canards. Not very original, but it is better than doing nothing! When Proctor says “no,” Tecumseh flies into a rage and calls Proctor “an old squaw.” Proctor quietly unrolls a map and shows Tecumseh just how easily the American gunboats, now that they have the capability to land anywhere, can separate the British and the Natives and how they can also easily move on to Lake St. Clair and the mouth of the Thames. Tecumseh is dumbfounded but quickly grasps the situation. Proctor’s plan is to make a stand at the fork of the Thames at Chatham, where, he tells Tecumseh, we will “mix our bones with yours.” Tecumseh asks for time to confer with his chiefs. Two hours later, he convinces them to follow the British at least to Sandwich (Windsor). It is September 28th, 1813. Everything that can be of use has been removed. The docks, storehouses, palisades, and public
buildings are being put to the torch. As Tecumseh watches it burn, he remarks to his followers, “We are going to follow the British, and I feel that I shall never return.” The Americans will land, find the place deserted and will partially rebuild the fort and rename it Fort Malden (after the Township of Malden). In 1815, it will be handed back to the British. The fort never will regain its importance. The British consider it to be too exposed as a naval base and will pour their resources into Penetanguishene instead. The Fort will sleep until the Rebellion of 1837 when possible trouble with the Americans will cause it to stir once again... But that is another chapter of Canadian History for another day.... (To be continued)
At Riverstone, you’ll roll with family. Next stop: Adventure, camaraderie, and endless fun—all in a place where you can truly feel at home. Buckle up as we hit the road to experience sandy beaches, inspiring theatre, delightful shopping trips, and so much more. Welcome to retirement living with a twist. Book your tour and join an upcoming event! 519.474.4410 | LiveAtRiverstone.ca By
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
September 2024 Page 19
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs