What is it about?
The trials and tribulations of two French merchants and American militiamen during the War of 1812 in the Detroit River region. Godfroy was jailed on a British brig until forced to be release by the threat of Potawatomi leaders. Beaugrand forced to aid the British army at the battles of the River Raisin and massacre. Beaugrans later tried in American court for murder of a Kentucky soldier, found gilty, but let free by a mostly French jury as he was found to be possessed by the devil which was not his fault.
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Why is it important?
Article shows how the French who passed from British to American control and administration were suspect by both the British and American governments. The French did what they had to do to suevive as middlemen caught between two world superpowers.
Perspectives
Both Godfroy and Beaugrand demonstrate their true friends to be Native Americans with whom they traded among for survival during hostilities by two superpowers who viewed the French as suspicious with regards to national loyalty. The Beaugrans story during the war demonstrated religious and supernatural fears by fellow Frenchmen afraid to anger him. Beaugrand was the only person tried for murder by the American government during the War of 1812.
Patrick Tucker Tucker
Firelands Archaeology
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Welcome to Hard Times: Two French Merchants and Militiamen in the Detroit River Region During the War of 1812, Michigan Historical Review, January 2012, Michigan Historical Review,
DOI: 10.5342/michhistrevi.38.1.0053.
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