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MICHIGAN CHAPTER 15 Michigan Under British Rule
He wheeled about and retreated rapidly toward Detroit. This movement was not premature. The report of his destructive raid spread quickly. A large party of Kentuckians was hurriedly gathered and choosing Colonel Clark for their leader undertook to cut off Bird's retreat. They intercepted him at Pickaway where he had the protection of palisades. These they battered with cannon and though they did nothing very effective against the troops, they did scatter the Indians and completely broke them up as ap organization. Bird was ultimately left free to make his way back to Detroit as best he could. The expedition accomplished nothing, except to still further irritate the American settlers against the British, and especially against the British policy of inciting irresponsible savages to murder and scalp inoffensive women and children.
When De Peyster was transferred from Michilimackinac to Detroit he was succeeded at the former post by Captain Patrick Sinclair. He was made Lieutenant Governor and Superintendent of Indian affairs, a highly responsible and dignified position. He signalized his arrival at his new post in the fall of 1779 by transfering it from the main land on the south side of the strait
to the island. He proceeded to build the new fort and to occupy it without any authority from the governor. When he reported what had been done Haldimand approved the removal, although the merchants and residents at Michilimackinac had sent in a vigorous protest against it. He says: "It is, however, my desire that the post, although removed to the island, may still be called Michilimackinac and the fort be styled Fort Mackinac.
MICHIGAN
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