Calhoun County MI Archives Military Records.....The Patriot War January 1838
Other War 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Robin Ellis -- July 17, 2007, 12:04 pm

The Patriot War
January 1838 the militia, under the state organization, was in active 
operations during the "Patriot War." Although it was not a major campaign, 
this war did furnish some action for the soldiers.

The "Patriot War' was brought about by some residents of both upper Canada and 
the United States, of Irish descent or birth, and United States citizens who 
had moved to Canada. These "Patriots," as they called themselves, planned to 
detach the peninsula lying between the Michigan frontier and the Niagara 
frontier from Canada and attach it to the United States. Their base of 
operations was located in Michigan and they were organized into secret groups 
known as "Hunters Lodges."

The points of assembly were Fort Gratiot (Port Huron), Mount Clemens, Detroit, 
and Gibralter. Meetings were called, secret military organizations created, and 
Dr. E.A. Theller, an Irish enthusiast for anything opposed to Great Britain, 
committed some overt acts for which he was arrested, tried, convicted, and 
sentenced to the citadel of Quebec; he later escaped and fled to Detroit.

In the early winter of 1837-38, straggling parties of armed men waited along 
the border for the ice to form on the St. Clair river. This was the route over 
which they planned to enter Canada, unfurl their flag, and establish a 
temporary government in rebellion against the British crown. They attempted to 
seize Fort Gratiot, but were foiled by a detachment of the Brady Guards. Their 
arms and ammunition were taken to Detroit.

In the latter part of December 1837, the "Patriots" used a small steamboat to 
cross into Canada and landed a short distance above Windsor. They marched down 
to the village opposite Detroit and in the engagement that followed--the Battle 
of Windsor--a number of men on both sides were killed and wounded. 
The "Patriots" scattered to the woods.

A plot was then discovered to capture the United States Arsenal at Dearborn and 
take possession of the arms stored there. To thwart this action, a company of 
the Michigan Militia was assigned guard duty at the arsenal. The excitement 
continued through 1838, however the "Battle of Windsor" is considered the 
closing of the war.

During its fourth session in 1839, the state legislature enacted legislation 
that provided more effective defense for the state. This action, most likely 
inspired by the frontier troubles during the "Patriot War," provided for the 
organization of a brigade of "State Guards." These troops were to be a sort of 
superior militia and were to have the preference in the distribution of arms 
and accoutrements.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/calhoun/history/other/thepatri39mt.txt

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