Fighting Island 1838

On the night of February 23-24, 1838, a small force of "Patriots" was ferried from Detroit to Fighting Island, opposite here, whence an attack against Sandwich was planned. They were joined the following day by "General" Donald McLeod, a British army veteran and former resident of Prescott who brought several hundred supporters from Cleveland. Advised by the American general, Hugh Brady, of the proposed attack, British regulars and Canadian militia in the area moved against the insurgents on February 25th. After a sharp skirmish, the poorly armed "Patriots" retreated to the Michigan shore where there were dispersed by American troops.