Note 583 — Chapter X · THE BATTLE AND DEFEAT
Reading edition
Lost to the world for almost a century, Hull's order was brought to light a few years since among the Heald papers in the Draper Collection at Madison, Wisconsin. It was first published by the author in "Some Notes on the Fort Dearborn Massacre," in the Mississippi Valley Historical Association, Proceedings for 1910-11, 138. The order reads as follows:
Sandwich July 29th 1812 Capt. Nat. Heald.
Sir:—It is with regret I order the Evacuation of your Post owing to the want of Provisions only a neglect of the Commandant of [word illegible-possibly Detroit].
You will therefore Destroy all arms & ammunition, but the Goods of the Factory you may give to the Friendly Indians who may be desirous of Escorting you on to Fort Wayne & to the Poor & needy of your Post. I am informed this day that Makinac & the Island of St. Joseph will be Evacuated on acct of the scarcity of Provision & I hope in my next to give you an acct. of the Surrender of the British at Maiden as I Expect 600 men here by the beginning of Sept.
I am Sir Yours &c Brigadier Gen. Hull. Addressed; Capt. Nathan Heald, Commander Fort Dearborn by Express.