When the Americans were allowed to obtain the dominion of Lake Erie, which they did in 1813, it was determined at the close of the following year to create a naval force on Lake Huron in the ensuing season, (1815,) as possessing much greater security for the construction of vessels than Lake Erie, where the enemy could at any time destroy them, in the same manner as their vessels ought to have been previously destroyed by the British.

Lake Michigan, which belongs wholly to the United States, is connected with Lake Huron at its western angle by a short and wide strait, in the centre of which is the island of Michilimakinack, belonging to the United States.

This island is about 9 miles in circumference, and, like St.Joseph, its neighbour, it possessed a small fort and garrison.

Lake Huron flows through the river St.Clair, which is in length about 60 miles, into Lake St.Clair, a small circular lake 30 miles in diameter.
The beautiful river Thames, in Upper Canada, opens into Lake St.Clair, and it was along the banks of this river that Major-General Proctor retreated in 1813.

From Lake St.Clair, the stream, through the Detroit, navigable for vessels not drawing more than fourteen feet water, pursues a course of nearly 40 miles into Lake Erie.
Upon the western side of the Detroit is situate the American town of that name.