Video: 'History Documentary The War of 1812' (American forces invade Canada at 20:17)

(Sunday, July 12, 1812; during the War of 1812) — General William Hull led an invading American force of about 1,000 untrained, poorly-equipped militia today across the Detroit River and occupied the Canadian town of Sandwich (now a neighbourhood of Windsor, Ontario).

Hull issued a proclamation ordering all British subjects to surrender, or “the horrors, and calamities of war will stalk before you”. The proclamation said that Hull wanted to free them from the “tyranny” of Great Britain, giving them the liberty, security, and wealth that his own country enjoyed—unless they preferred “war, slavery, and destruction”.

He also threatened to kill any British soldier caught fighting alongside indigenous fighters.

Hull’s proclamation only helped to stiffen resistance to American attacks as he lacked artillery and supplies. Hull also had to fight just to maintain his own lines of communication.

Hull would withdraw to the American side of the river on Aug. 7, 1812.