The Subject

In 1812, Major-General Isaac Brock was both the military commander and civil administrator of Upper Canada - now southern Ontario.  Towards the end of June, news of the American declaration of war against Great Britain reached Fort York at what is modern-day Toronto, and it was there that Brock faced the daunting challenge of mounting a defense. 

Outnumbered by an enemy whose regiments were massing at various points for a co-ordinated invasion, Brock had to contend with the logistical complications associated with an undefended border stretching hundreds of miles around a vast frontier.  To make matters worse, Upper Canada was thinly populated by a mix of people whose attitudes regarding the war ranged from defeatist to disaffected.  This sad state of affairs quickly became obvious through high absentee rates among the militia, a lack of commitment from former native allies, and the openly inimical activities of emboldened traitors. 

Brock's prospects were bleak indeed.  Yet, he managed to launch an expedition against Detroit where he compelled the surrender of a large American force.  In addition to its strategic importance, the victory had a pronounced psychological effect and demonstrated to the populace of Upper Canada that their province could be defended.  Brock himself certainly had no doubt that he was equal to the task.  Yet, as confident as he was, Brock was not invincible.  The following October, while gallantly leading a charge to retake the redan battery on Queenston heights, he was killed   by a gunshot wound to the chest.
 

The Goal

The new biography proposed for Sir Isaac Brock will offer fresh insights into his personality and, ultimately, a better understanding of the man who became the "Hero of Upper Canada." 

The Process

By means of an intensive research strategy, new information regarding Sir Isaac Brock's character will be collected and analysed in order to challenge the many myths and misconceptions surrounding his life.

The Appeal