McGuire Family

Extract of a letter from Capt. Bird to Major De Peyster dated Ottawa Village first landing on the Glaize. 24th July 1780.

Col. Clarke arrived within a day or so of the time I marked for his certain arrival [Ohio River]. Capt. Hinxon who made his escape from us, had candour sufficient to tell Col. Clarke, he and the Prisoners were treated in so different a manner from what they expected, that had not his Family been at the Falls, he would have preffered going with us to Detroit.

I have much news from the private conversation with the Prisoners, and other means, respecting the situation of the country, their Force and manner of making Levies &c. &C. Many of the Prisoners would not take the oath to Congress, I don't believe we have more than two Families really Rebels, their names McGuire and Mahon - the rest are desirous of being settled in Detroit with some Land. They fled, they say, from persecution, & declare if Government will assist them to get them on foot as Farmers, they will, as Militia, faithfully defend the country that affords them protection. (Collections and Researches made by the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, vol.XIX, pg544.)