The Battle of Maguaga

After the skirmish at Brownstown the American General William Hull decided that he would re-open his supply line to Ohio. On August 8th 1812 a force commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel James Miller departed Detroit and marched south to the River Raison. This force consisted of detachments of the, 1st and 4th regiments of U.S. regulars, a detachment of cavalry, two cannons and militia units from Ohio and Michigan approximately 600 men.

On the afternoon of August 9th the Americans arrived at the Indian village of Maguaga. The column was surprised and ambushed by Tecumseh who had about 70 warriors with him, 60 Canadian Militia and a detachment of 75 British regulars from the 41st Regiment. This force was under the command of Major Adam Muir. In the confusion of the battle the British mistakenly fired at the Indians on their right flank. Facing heavy American fire power the British were forced to withdraw making their way quickly to the boats they retreated back to Fort Malden.

The British lost 1 man killed and 23 wounded. The Americans lost 18 killed and 63 wounded. Although Lieutenant-Colonel Miller held the ground he was ordered by General Hull to return to Detroit.

General Hull became convinced now that his supply line to Ohio was weak. It was after this skirmish that Hull made the decision to move his army back to Detroit.

The senior American officers believed that General Hull had lost his nerve, and openly questioned his decisions.