ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY
August 16, 1812
General William Hull Surrenders Fort Detroit
to the British in the War of 1812
On this day in 1812, American General William Hull, surrendered Fort Detroit (later named Fort Shelby) to the
British regulars, Canadian militia, and a group of Indians led by Tecumseh.
It wasn't that Hull was facing overwhelming forces, in fact, his 2,500 troops vastly outnumbered the enemy, however
his fear of a massacre at the hands of the Indian's ultimately led to his decision.
The decision brought him a Court-Martial and he was sentenced to death, however he later received a reprieve from
President James Madison.
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