A Wampum Denied: Procter's War of 1812 (Carleton Library) [Paperback]

Sandy Antal (Author)

Book Description

Series: Carleton Library | Publication Date: November 1997

This formative history takes a new look at a dramatic conflict-the war on the Detroit frontier in 1812-13. Powerful key players (Procter, Tecumseh and Brock), their disparate war aims, and the "all or nothing" character of the campaigns they waged still seem larger than life. Yet Sandy Antal's careful reconstruction of Native and national aspiration, vested colonial interest, and territorial aggression, reveals motives and expedients that were as often mundane as heroic. A Wampum Denied reassesses the much-maligned career of Henry Procter, commander of the British forces, traces the Canadian/British/Native side of the conflict (amid a literature dominated by the American view), and casts new light on an allied military strategy that very nearly succeeded, but when it failed, failed spectacularly.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Wampum Denied is a tour de force ... a mature piece of work, well-grounded in primary sources and a significant contribution to the field. This is the best work, by far, that I've read on the Northwest campaign in many years." Dr. Larry Nelson, Director, Fort Meigs State Memorial, Ohio

"In A Wampum Denied, retired Canadian army officer Sandy Antal seeks to rehabilitate Procter's reputation. His case is compelling. He shows that although Procter was badly served by his superiors in the east ... he did a good job of managing his troops and lining up Indian allies and as a result played a key role in the British victories at Detroit, Frenchtown, and Fort Meigs ... Antal does much more than make the case for Proctor. He also presents a fine analysis of British policy and strategy in this theater and of war on the Detroit and Ohio frontiers ... this is a fine piece of scholarship, and no one interested in the western war can ignore it." Donald R. Hickey, The Journal of Military History

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Sandy Antal, co-author of Duty Nobly Done, became a teacher after retiring from twenty years as a major in the Canadian Forces. He now lives in Cameron, Ontario.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: Carleton Univ Pr (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870134434
• ISBN-13: 978-0870134432
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,077,580 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Souls of the Past Reawakened!, July 27, 2000

By 

Robert M. Burke, BA (Psychology, Management, ... (Adrian, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Wampum Denied: Procter's War of 1812 (Carleton Library) (Paperback)

I am absolutely delighted with Mr. Antal's book "A Wampum Denied." This book attracts the many interests embodied within me: The "historian" with a desire to research and learn about events of the past. The "war enthusiast" with a lust for battle, tactics, and strategy. The "reader enthusiast" who rejoices as a well-written narrative comes to life before his eyes. The "student of management" who analyzes the leadership styles and skills of historical leaders to translate into effective leadership for today.

Mr. Antal presents the events surrounding Colonel Henry Proctor in a thorough, thoughtful, and objective manner. As I read "A Wampum Denied", I was able to understand the many psychological, logistical, and personality challenges that became significantly influential in both the failures and the successes of Colonel Proctor as he coordinated his military leadership between elements of the British Right Division, the Canadian Militia, and the Indian confederacy. I gained tremendous insight into the "unseen battles" faced by Colonel Proctor, such as cultural concerns of the Canadian citizens and the French Canadien settlers in Michigan; increasing logistical and strategic pressures from the Native Americans under his charge; and especially the political and strategic dichotomy between Colonel Proctor and his superior officers (with the exception of Major General Isaac Brock).

As a researcher, I truly appreciate the thoroughness of Mr. Antal's own research for his book "A Wampum Denied" and the detailed bibliography and notes found within. In my opinion, Mr. Antal was able to take the findings of his extremely comprehensive and exhaustive research and present his information in a delightful narrative that flows smoothly from beginning to end in rich detail. (The illustrations are exceptional!)

Mr. Antal's book "A Wampum Denied" increased my understanding and awareness of the important events that helped to shape the future of the Detroit frontier and has become a permanent addition within my library.

I highly recommend "A Wampum Denied: Proctor's War of 1812", by Mr. Sandy Antal, for anyone who enjoys reading an exciting story for enrichment, entertainment, or both. You will not be disappointed in the added value you will receive.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book about war in the Old Northwest!, June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Wampum Denied: Procter's War of 1812 (Carleton Library) (Paperback)

Sandy Antal's book is a superb revisionist study of Major General Henry Procter's defense of Upper Canada during the War of 1812. Unlike most historians, Antal presents Henry Procter as having been a resourceful, intelligent, and daring military leader who provided an excellent defense of Canada despite overwhelming disadvantages. Antal also provides ample evidence that Procter based his military activities on a strategic plan of creating a Native American buffer state to preserve British interests in the North American West.

Antal's writing style makes for a smooth and entertaining read. The book is also interesting because it is not a biography of Procter or a traditional campaign history book. Instead, Antal writes about the war by examining the perspectives of all the different types of participants; soldiers, Native Americans, politicians, and local citizens. Antal also explains the socio-economic and ethnic environment in which the war took place. Major General Procter is always at the center of discussion, but Antal's approach provides a broad understanding of Procter's circumstances during the war.

The real strength of Antal's argument involves the use of compelling primary source evidence. The letters written by Issac Brock, for example, indicate that Procter ought be credited for preparing the Canadian conquest of the Michigan Territory. The evidence portrays Procter as an extremely credible soldier who was neglected by his superiors during the war. Antal's evidence also provides a compelling argument that Procter fully supported the Native American cause. Antal even provides evidence that Procter admired Tecumseh of the Shawnees. This idea is completely new among scholars and historical fiction writers.

Scholars and avocational readers who are primarily interested in Native American history, however, may be disappointed with Antal's approach. Unlike most books written in the last ten years on the subject, Antal's book does not glorify Tecumseh or his cause. Instead, Antal considers the issues of other Native American leaders on an equal level with Tecumseh. Consequently, readers learn about Tecumseh's influential limitations from both Procter's perspective and that of other tribal leaders such as the Wyandotte chief Walk in the Water.

The end result is a world in which Henry Procter constantly struggles to fight despite having unreliable Native American and militia support for his small, sick, and starving army. Antal's telling of the story makes every one of Procter's successes seem like a spectacular and miraculous victory. Procter's failure appears to have been nothing short of inevitable. This book ought to read by all those interested in the War of 1812 and the Old Northwest.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A ground-breaking study, a must for 1812 scholars!, January 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Wampum Denied: Procter's War of 1812 (Carleton Library) (Paperback)

Sandy Antal has successfully presented a new analysis and insight into the events of the war for the old northwest during the War of 1812. Particularly noteworthy, is his illumination of the reputation of Henry Procter, a leader much aligned in the past for British failure in the theater. What Antal demonstrates, is that Procter's case was never fairly or objectively presented, both by American, but more importantly, by Canadian historians. Procter's actions, motives and reputation have been shrouded by a veil of misinterpretation, merely because the facts were unknown, unavailable, or ignored. Antal does much not only to save Procter's reputation, but to reassess British war aims, strategy and the Anglo-Native alliance. He has provided many pieces that have been missing to the puzzle of the events of the War of 1812. With those pieces, historians will have to reassess long-held beliefs regarding the campaigns in Michigan, Ohio, and Upper Canada. Antal also provides an "inside view" of the British and Canadian forces previously unavailable. Of particular note is his order of battle information and biographical notations of key leaders and participants. This volume is an heir to Gilpins' "War of 1812 in the Old Northwest" and Stanley's "War of 1812 Land Operations" as an accurate and well written book of the campaign in the wilderness. A must have for 1812 historians!