Richardson describes crossing the river and marching toward Detroit

(from Richardson's War of 1812, p. 51 - 54)

The refusal to surrender had of course been anticipated, and preparations for crossing, and attempting to carry Detroit by storm, having in the meantime been made - everything was in readiness by daybreak on the following morning. The batteries, which had kept up an irregular fire during the night, renewed it at the first dawn with unabated spirit, and the requisite boats having been provided, the crossing was effected without opposition, under cover of the guns of the Queen Charlotte and General Hunter, which lay anchored about half a mile above Sandwich. A soft August sun was just rising, as we gained the centre of the river, and the view, at the moment, was certainly very animated and exciting, for, amid the little squadron of boats and scows, conveying the troops and artillery, were mixed numerous canoes filled with Indian warriors, decorated in their half-nakedness for the occasion, and uttering yells of mingled defiance of their foes and encouragement of the soldiery. Above us again were to be seen and heard the flashes and thunder of the artillery from our batteries, which, as on the preceding day, was but feebly replied to by the enemy, while the gay flags of the Queen Charlotte, drooping in the breezeless, yet not oppressive air, and playing on the calm surface of the river, seemed to give earnest of success, and inspirited every bosom.

The bombardment of Detroit

The point of embarkation was nearly opposite to the low, stone building at Sandwich, which (then a school) is now used as a barrack, and the place of landing was a little above the Spring Wells…. From this to the fort is about three miles, and the road, occasionally winding, was commanded from the rising ground ... The whole of the force, including militia and Indians (most of these latter had preceded us during the night of the 15th) having landed, General Brock, who had crossed in one of the leading boats, ordered the reports to be collected, when it was found that there were but 550 men of all arms present. ...

The column having been formed, we moved forward by sections, at nearly double distance, in order to give to our little force a more imposing appearance. Lieut. Bullock commanded the advanced guard, and immediately in rear of this, and preceding the column, were the light artillery (three six and two three-pounders) with which only we advanced against the enemy's fortress. Nothing but the boldness of the enterprise could have ensued its success. When within a mile and a half from the rising ground to which I have just alluded, as commanding the approach to the town, we distinctly saw two long, heavy guns, (afterwards proved to be twenty-four pounders) planted in the road, and around them the gunners with their fuses burning. At each moment we expected that they would be fired, yet although it was evident the discharge must literally have swept our small, but dense column, there was neither halt nor indecision perceptible. This was fortunate. Had there been the slightest wavering, or appearance of confusion in the men, the enemy, who were closely watching us, and who seemed intimidated by the confidence of our advance, would not have failed to profit by the discovery; and fearful, in such case, must have been the havoc; for, moving as we were by the main road, with the river close upon our right flank, and a chain of alternate houses and close fences upon our left, there was not the slightest possibility of deploying. In this manner, and with our eyes riveted on the guns, which became at each moment more visible, we silently advanced until within about three-quarters of a mile of the formidable battery; when General Brock, having found this point a position favorable for the formation of the columns of assault, caused the whole to be wheeled to the left, through an open field and orchard, leading to a house about three hundred yards off the road, which he selected as his Headquarters. In this position we were covered.

Plaque commemorating the capture of Detroit