Bailly attempted to avoid involvement in the War of 1812, but found that he could not maintain neutrality. He was a Canadian citizen, and had a huge business headquartered in Montreal. Bailly was appointed a Lieutenant in the Michigan Fencibles, a regiment of Canadian militia, in January 1813.
Bailly sought to avoid involvement in the War of 1812 but ultimately had no choice. He was a Canadian citizen with significant business interests in Montreal and was appointed as a Lieutenant in the Michigan Fencibles, a militia regiment from Canada, in January 1813.