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The War of 1812
He also agreed not to inform, the commander of anything occurring. He succeeded in collecting the people, but did not in keeping secret the movements of the enemy, as Hanks had been informed through another source, and at once prepared for defense. la the meantime the British had taken possession of Port Holmes, an elevated and very strong point which with artillery would completely command the whole island and approaches, rendering the fort in which the troops were utterly indefensible and resistance useless.
Hanks was completely surprised, the appearance of the British force being the first notice he had received that war was going on. Seeing at once that his position was untenable, and ascertaining the overwhelming force against him, he concluded to surrender, but did not do so until honorable terms had been obtained, coupled with the unanimous opinion of both garrison and people that it was the only course left for him to pursue, and in accordance with the terms of capitulation the prisoners marched out of the fort with the usual honors of war and were paroled.
Michigan
Page 24
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