Some More on Joseph Willcocks-- Part 2: He Turns

In the second session of the 6th parliament, held 25 February to  13 March 1813, it still appeared that Willcocks was behind Upper Canada.  Merchant William Hamilton Merritt described Willcocks as a "zealous Loyalist."   An old friend said Willcocks was  actively recruiting for an Incorporated Militia.

However, things changed after the capture of York in April 1813 and the invasion of the Niagara Peninsula in May.  The military situation stabilized after the Battle of Stoney Creek on 5 June 1813.  Certain people in the colony caused the military to impose harsh measures on those who opposed the government.  This caused Willcocks to lose faith in and turn against his government.

Sometime in July 1813, Willcocks crossed the Niagara River and offered his services to the Americans.

--Brock-Perry