Just reading while another part of my brain is listening to the Phillies Pre-game, I’m in the military history section reading about the Worst Generals in World History, not surprised so many Romans were in the article, but was tickled to see a Michigan General, whose ineptitude subsequently led to the “Border War” with Ohio over Toledo where Congress mediated a negotiated solution where Michigan “lost” Toledo in exchange for fast-tracking the State process of the Michigan territories, and the Upper Peninsula, that proved to be a primary source of multiple ores and minerals, along with endless miles of forests, that is still an natural resource economic “goose that lays the golden egg” for the state, while Toledo is…Toledo.
None of it would have happened without the ineptitude of this American General, who was nearly executed for his actions..
General William Hull
The deplorable conduct of Charles Lee at the Battle of Monmouth has been immortalized by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with traitorous behavior. However, not even they managed to get themselves court-martialed and sentenced to death for ineptitude on the battlefield. That dubious distinction falls to William Hull, the only general officer in American history to be ordered before a firing squad for cowardice and dereliction of duty. Hull had served with distinction in the Revolutionary War and was appointed governor of the Michigan Territory in 1805. When the War of 1812 began, Hull was commissioned a brigadier general and tasked with defending Michigan and invading Upper Canada. To say that he failed in both regards is to dramatically understate the case. Approaching his 60th birthday and exhibiting a timidity that had no place in a general about to lead an invasion, Hull also had the misfortune of facing two of the most gifted commanders ever to operate in North America. British Gen. Isaac Brock possessed a remarkable ability to anticipate his opponents’ moves and reactions, and it was not long before he had taken full measure of Hull. Allied with Brock was the Shawnee chief Tecumseh, who was head of the most formidable pan-Indian military force the continent had ever seen. Hull was thoroughly outclassed. While Hull dithered, Brock captured Fort Michilimackinac, establishing British control of the Straits of Mackinac. Hull responded by ordering the evacuation of Fort Dearborn, and the garrison was promptly massacred by a Potawatomi war band upon leaving the fort. At this point, things somehow got worse for Hull. His invasion of Canada came to an abrupt halt when he failed to capture Fort Malden, a British position that was a laughably short distance from Hull’s headquarters at Fort Detroit. Hull withdrew after a series of harassing attacks by Tecumseh’s highly mobile raiding parties. At Brownstown, south of Detroit, two dozen warriors under Tecumseh routed more than 200 American militiamen escorting a supply column intended for Detroit. Hull’s nerve was shattered. Brock, sensing an opportunity, advised an immediate march on Fort Detroit. On the night of August 15, 1812, Tecumseh led his forces across the Detroit River, and Brock followed the next morning. While British cannons shelled the fort from the Canadian side of the river, Tecumseh marched his warriors through a forest clearing in an endless parade. Hull, convinced that he was hopelessly outnumbered (he wasn’t), surrendered Fort Detroit and its 2,000-man garrison without firing a shot. The British gained control of the fort, dozens of cannons, the brig USS Adams (recommissioned the HMS Detroit), and virtually the entire Michigan Territory. Hull was taken prisoner by the British and was court-martialed upon his return to the United States. He was found guilty of 11 counts, and only the intervention by Pres. James Madison spared him from execution.
Just thought you’d be interested. - Argus
None of it would have happened without the ineptitude of this American General, who was nearly executed for his actions..
General William Hull
The deplorable conduct of Charles Lee at the Battle of Monmouth has been immortalized by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with traitorous behavior. However, not even they managed to get themselves court-martialed and sentenced to death for ineptitude on the battlefield. That dubious distinction falls to William Hull, the only general officer in American history to be ordered before a firing squad for cowardice and dereliction of duty. Hull had served with distinction in the Revolutionary War and was appointed governor of the Michigan Territory in 1805. When the War of 1812 began, Hull was commissioned a brigadier general and tasked with defending Michigan and invading Upper Canada. To say that he failed in both regards is to dramatically understate the case. Approaching his 60th birthday and exhibiting a timidity that had no place in a general about to lead an invasion, Hull also had the misfortune of facing two of the most gifted commanders ever to operate in North America. British Gen. Isaac Brock possessed a remarkable ability to anticipate his opponents’ moves and reactions, and it was not long before he had taken full measure of Hull. Allied with Brock was the Shawnee chief Tecumseh, who was head of the most formidable pan-Indian military force the continent had ever seen. Hull was thoroughly outclassed. While Hull dithered, Brock captured Fort Michilimackinac, establishing British control of the Straits of Mackinac. Hull responded by ordering the evacuation of Fort Dearborn, and the garrison was promptly massacred by a Potawatomi war band upon leaving the fort. At this point, things somehow got worse for Hull. His invasion of Canada came to an abrupt halt when he failed to capture Fort Malden, a British position that was a laughably short distance from Hull’s headquarters at Fort Detroit. Hull withdrew after a series of harassing attacks by Tecumseh’s highly mobile raiding parties. At Brownstown, south of Detroit, two dozen warriors under Tecumseh routed more than 200 American militiamen escorting a supply column intended for Detroit. Hull’s nerve was shattered. Brock, sensing an opportunity, advised an immediate march on Fort Detroit. On the night of August 15, 1812, Tecumseh led his forces across the Detroit River, and Brock followed the next morning. While British cannons shelled the fort from the Canadian side of the river, Tecumseh marched his warriors through a forest clearing in an endless parade. Hull, convinced that he was hopelessly outnumbered (he wasn’t), surrendered Fort Detroit and its 2,000-man garrison without firing a shot. The British gained control of the fort, dozens of cannons, the brig USS Adams (recommissioned the HMS Detroit), and virtually the entire Michigan Territory. Hull was taken prisoner by the British and was court-martialed upon his return to the United States. He was found guilty of 11 counts, and only the intervention by Pres. James Madison spared him from execution.
Just thought you’d be interested. - Argus
