Proclamation Following The Surrender Of Fort Detroit
General Brock

16 August 1812

Whereas the Territory of Michigan was this day by Capitulation ceded to the Arms of His Britannic Majesty without any other condition than the protection of private property; And wishing to give an early proof of the moderation and justice of the Government, I do hereby announce to all the Inhabitants of the said Territory, that the Laws heretofore in existence shall continue in force until His Majesty's pleasure be known, or so long as the peace and safety of the said Territory will admit thereof. And I do hereby also declare and make known to the said Inhabitants, that they shall be protected in the full exercise and enjoyment of their Religion, Of which all persons both Civil and Military will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly.

All persons having in their possession, or having any knowledge of any Public Property, shall forthwith deliver in the same or give notice thereof to the Officer Commanding, or Lieutenant Colonel Nichol, who are hereby duly Authorized to receive and give proper Receipts for the same.

Officers of Militia will be held responsible that all Arms in possession of Militia Men, be immediately delivered up, and all Individuals whatever, who have in their possession, Arms of any kind, will deliver them up without delay.

E.A. Cruikshank, ed. Documents Relating to the Invasion of Canada and the Surrender of Detroit, 1812. (Ottawa: 1912), pp. 155Ð156.