Growing up in Windsor, Ontario; Forever living under the oppressive shadow of the once mighty city of Detroit, I have always been intrigued by the wealth of amazing history beneath my feet.
I was drawn back in time to my first fishing trip ever as a child with my brother-in-law to this tiny river almost a stream really, to a place named River Canard. The historical plaque there, hidden almost under the bridge forever impressed itself in my memory.
It read,”In the War of 1812, the first engagement in Canada involving British and American forces in significant numbers occurred here on the Canard River. On July 12, 1812, Brigadier-General William Hull invaded Canada and encamped near Sandwich. British commander, T.B. St. George, consolidated his forces consisting of regulars of the 41st Regiment, Indians, and Canadian militia at Fort Malden, south of the Canard and stationed at picquet at the bridge. This outpost was attacked on July 16th by Colonel Louis Cass and about 280 enemy troops. After a brief stand, the outnumbered British fell back towards the fort. The Americans abandoned the position the following day, but later returned several times to skirmish with the British, who reoccupied the post.”
This series of short stories will supplement the main story of Tecumseh’s rise and fall in our comic book series. So far two have been completed with synopses to follow. A third is being penned currently about the Battle of Queenston Heights which was announced on October 13, 2015 with the title of “The Death of our Heroes” to celebrate the 203rd anniversary of that great battle.
“The Red Haired Man”
Who is the Red Haired Man? Follow our heroes both real and fictional from Essex County and elsewhere in Ontario, meet the invaders head on and strike a blow they cannot easily shake off. Their journey takes them from the quarters of Colonel Matthew Elliott at Sandwich, down the Detroit River to Fort Amherstburg then across it into the endless forests of the Michigan interior.
“Bridge over the River Canard”
How can an unassuming bridge in the middle of nowhere cause so much fuss? In 1812, it was the only way for the Americans to continue their conquest from occupied Sandwich. Besides the bridge was guarded visibly by two guards, redcoats Hancock and Dean. Secretly, Tecumseh and his British allies have a trap planned. Can they save Fort Amherstburg and the town of the same name from the same fate as Sandwich?
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