This officer was an elderly planter who, like Hull, had worn a uniform in the Revolution.

He had no great aptitude for war and was held in low esteem by the Kentuckians of his command--hungry, mutinous, and disgusted men, who were counting the days before their enlistments should expire.

The commonplace Winchester was no leader to hold them in hand and spur their jaded determination.
While they were building storehouses and log defenses, within dangerously easy distance of the British post at Amherstburg, the tempting message came that the settlement of Frenchtown, on the Raisin, thirty miles away and within the British lines, was held by only two companies of Canadian militia.

Here was an opportunity for a dashing adventure, and Winchester ordered half his total force to march and destroy this detachment of the enemy.

The troops accordingly set out, drove home a brisk assault, cleared Frenchtown of its defenders, and held their ground awaiting orders.
Winchester then realized that he had leaped before he looked.