CHARACTERS

Brigadier General William Hull

During the American Revolution, Hull joined a local militia and was quickly promoted to captain, then to major, and to lieutenant colonel. He was in the battles of Dorchester Heights, White Plains, Trenton and Princeton. He was recognized by George Washington for outstanding service.

On March 22, 1805, President Thomas Jefferson appointed him Governor of the recently-created Michigan Territory.

Hull was hoping to be appointed to the position of Secretary of War, replacing the ineffective William Eustis, but President Madison instead appointed him a Brigadier General in command of the new Army of the Northwest after Colonel Jacob Kingsbury fell ill before taking command. Hull turned down the appointment due to age, but when it was pointed out that seven other generals, older than he, had also been appointed to commands, he reluctantly agreed.