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MCARTHUR TO WORTHINGTON

Detroit July 7th 1812

Dear Sir

I have now the honor to inform you that the army under the command of Genl. Hull has arived at this place we encamped about three miles below the Town on the evening of the 5th. Inst. opposet Sandwich. We recd the official account of the declairation of war, on the evening of the 1st Inst about six, on this Side of the foot of the rapids. On the morning of the same day we put a considerable part of our Baggage on board of a schooner togather with our sick and their attendance amounting in all to about thirty three of which were from my Regt. Thomas Lloyd of Chillicothe, my Sergeant Major was one of the three The declairation of war reached Maldin two day before it was recd. by Genl Hull, and consequenctly our baggage was taken and our men were captured as they passed Maldin. On the night of the 3rd. the British attempted to erect a Battery opposet to Detroit, which was discovered by the comdt. of the garison who fired a few 24 pounders at the new Battery and drove off the party which was at work at it. At about 1 oclock of the same day they moved a few pieces down opposet Sandwich and battered it for about an hour, which drove the people almost all out of town. On the evening of the 5th when our army opposet Sandwich there was sciarely a person to be seen, and I have every reason to believe, that fifty men would have taken possession of the Town country around it, without the loss of a man.

On yesterday and last night about 200 regulars 100 militia and about 150 or 200 Indians were sent from Maldin to Sandwich, with some heavy peices ordinance and are now fortifying the place, and it is expected that they will open their Batteries on Detroit by tomorrow. But what shall we do? Genl Hull's orders are to proced to De- troit and wait for further orders! Had the Genl been authorised to excercise his own judgment and the judgment of every man possessed of common sense, we would have had possession of Sandwich on yesterday, perhaps without firing a gun and would at the same time have the army safely landed in Canada. Was we even now, at liberty to act the part of an army, I doubt not but the American standard would be rased at Maldin in a very few days. This is the time to visit Maldin, when the greatest part of the British force is engaged in fortifying Sandwich, whilst fort Maldin remaines unfinish- ed and unprotected.

I doubt not, if the secretary of war was as here, but he would order the army to embark in a few hours. But if the secretary of war, now to be advised of our situation tion, and in the course of two weeks from this issue his orders at the City of Washington for the army to cross the river, and march against Maldin or Sandwich, by the time those orders could reach us or even be issued it might be very impolitick and perhaps, impossible to obey them. I bearly mention this to show the inconsistancy of such orders, and most sincerely hope that our army will never again be placed in a similar situation

If I had a room I would say a word on the subject of our Pinch-penny contractors who feel our existing on carron beef and musty shorts whilst fat beef & good Flower would be had at 1/2 penny more a lb

Duncan McArthur

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