Tecumseh and Dessalines: who held the firepower, and who called the timing

SUMMARYTecumseh and Dessalines: who held the firepower, and who called the timing (Nov 4, 2026). Tito: "I don't believe the ally stuff, I think that's the excuse for how they got their guns... we had the firepower already... Britain came here, met Tecumseh and said let's go to war on this day."
RECORD, who called the timing: before 1812, British officials in Canada told the nations to keep the peace with the US, because Britain was tied down fighting Napoleon. Tippecanoe (November 7, 1811) was Harrison's attack on Prophetstown while Tecumseh was away in the south. Tecumseh chose his own war, and it was Brock who relied on him: Detroit surrendered on August 16, 1812, after Tecumseh's warriors and Brock's bluff, and the captured arms and stores went to the victors.
RECORD, the supply: both sides record British powder and goods issued at Amherstburg (Fort Malden): British Indian Department returns, and Harrison's complaints. Hostile witnesses agree on the supply, which is a different thing from a command.
RECORD, Ayiti: Ayiti fought France, Britain (the British occupation of 1793–98 ended in withdrawal) and Spain, and beat all three, arming itself with captured weapons and trade. Toussaint traded with the US under the Adams administration (1799). In 1803 Rochambeau surrendered his army to the British fleet blockading Le Cap, rather than to Dessalines

PATTERNin both cases the resistance set its own course, and weapons came from capture and trade; allies were used, not obeyed

LENS (WW9)Tecumseh and Dessalines, two leaders who called their own wars; the "ally" story turns them into followers

OPENwhether the nations had their own gunsmithing and powder-making (saltpeter, mills) at scale, a direct test of "we had the firepower already." Needs deep research.