A Reluctant General

See the portrait of William Hull.

In February, 1812, Governor Hull being in Washington, war with England imminent, and the Indians threatening the people of Michigan, he urged the necessity of troops at Detroit to keep the...[Native Americans] in check. President Madison accordingly called upon the governor of Ohio for twelve hundred militia for that service, and Governor Hull was asked to lead them to Detroit. He declined, stating that he did not wish for any military appointment. Col. Kingsbury was then ordered to the command, but was taken sick, and was unable to go. Governor Hull being again approached, he, in his anxiety for the safety of the territory, in an evil hour accepted the command, with the rank of brigadier general, and retaining his office of governor, with the understanding that in case of war he was to be released from command. [Source]