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HIS 220 Michigan History - Midterm Examination

Midterm exam

Q The short essay will test your analytical and critical thinking skills, using methods we have practiced in our discussions, such as cross-referencing and identifying purpose, bias, and audience. Please re-read carefully William Hull’s and Lewis Cass’s letters to Secretary of War William Eustis, which begin on page 42 in The Great Water. These letters give an account of the same event, the surrender of Fort Detroit in the War of 1812. Which account is more reliable and why? Also, how does the historical theme of “Society” help us better understand the event? Begin right away by addressing the prompt – there’s no need for an introduction or conclusion. I expect several specific examples from the readings that support your ideas. The course materials must be referenced with parenthetical citations.

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Both the letters describe the same event, that is the surrender of Fort Detroit in the War of 1616. I started with reading Colonel Lewis’s letter and it is true that it started with a note of professionalism Colonel Lewis straight comes to the point without beating around the bush. He actually gives a detailed description of the events which happened in a chronological order. He provides insights on weapon management of the troops, the discussion and planning which were made, the waiting periods and reason behind it, and so on. His tone is a mixture of negative and positive. The lines in page 47 is proof of that, ‘’The spirit and zeal, the ardor and animation … sacred pledge’’. This account seems to be more reliable because there is descriptive description of every event that is happening. The sheer detailing of events with the names of various officers and what role they played add a layer of authenticity to the whole description. Colonel Lewis is man who talks straight and he is all about facts. The way he writes the letter with all details is actually fascinating. He remembers every action and step that is taken and writes them accordingly. He also does not include much in blame games. The day-by-day description, the numbers and figures- all make this letter more reliable, according to me. (Thick)