William Hull also believed that his invasion would frighten the native tribes. In a letter to the Secretary of War, he wrote, "It is likewise probable that when the Indians see the American standard erected on both sides of the river it will have a favorable effect."
Like many Americans who lived on the frontier, Hull was wary of native warriors. In his proclamation, he wrote that their method of warfare "respects no rights & knows no wrong."
To persuade locals from joining with indigenous warriors to resist the American invasion, Hull informed them that any white man fighting alongside the warriors would receive no quarter. Instead, "Instant destruction will be his Lot."
Hull intended his proclamation to coerce its inhabitants of Upper Canada into accepting the authority of the United States.
The British commander (Isaac Brock), in turn, issued his own proclamation promising to defend Upper Canada -- and, in later engagements, took advantage of Hull's fear of indigenous warriors to force his surrender.
--Brock-Perry
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