General Hull forthwith hurried his troops to the Maumee River, leaving their camp equipment and heavy stores behind.
He now committed his first crass blunder.

Though the British controlled the waters of Lake Erie, yet he sent a schooner ahead with all his hospital supplies, intrenching tools, official papers, and muster rolls.
The little vessel was captured within sight of Detroit and the documents proved invaluable to the British commander of Upper Canada, Major General Isaac Brock, who gained thereby a complete idea of the American plans and proceeded to act accordingly.

Brock was a soldier of uncommon intelligence and resolution, acquitting himself with distinction, and contrasting with his American adversaries in a manner rather painful to contemplate.
At length Hull reached Detroit and crossed the river to assume the offensive.

He was strongly hopeful of success.

The Canadians appeared friendly and several hundred sought his protection.