The direct military road runs in a straight line from
the fort to the banks of the Detroit, and the eastern
extremity of the town. Here it is intersected by the
highway running parallel with the river, and branching
off at right angles on either hand; the right, leading
in the direction of the more populous states; the left,
through the town, and thence towards the more remote and
western parts, where European influence has yet been but
partially extended. The only difference between its
present and former character is, that what is now a
flourishing commercial town was then a mere village;
while the adjacent country, at present teeming with every
mark of vegetation, bore no other evidence of fertility
than what was afforded by a few scattered farm-houses,
many of which skirted various parts of the forest. Along
this road the detachment now wended its slow and solemn
course, and with a mournful pageantry of preparation that
gave fearful earnest of the tragedy expected to be enacted.
In front, and dragged by the hands of the gunners, moved
two of the three three-pounders, that had been ordered
for the duty.
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