[Transcriber's note: all misspellings and typographical errors
in the original have been retained in this text.]
NARRATIVE
OF THE
SUFFERING & DEFEAT
OF THE
NORTH-WESTERN ARMY
UNDER GENERAL WINCHESTER:
MASSACRE OF THE PRISONERS; SIXTEEN MONTHS IMPRISONMENT OF THE
WRITER AND OTHERS WITH THE INDIANS AND BRITISH:
BY WILLIAM ATHERTON.
FRANKFORT, KY.
Printed for the author by A. G. Hodges.
1842.
[Copy Right secured according to law.]
PREFACE.
The greater part of this short narrative was written years ago.
At that time it was intended for publication. But for several
years past the writer had declined ever letting it come before
the world; and had it not been for the solicitations of friends,
it is highly probable this intention would never have been
changed. But relying upon the opinion of those whom he believed
to be well qualified to judge of it, and believing them to be
sincere in their expression of opinion, I have consented to let
it go and take its chance before the public.
It was found difficult to give such an account of that part of
the campaign which it was thought to be most important, without
commencing as far back as the departure of the army from
Kentucky. This part of the history has, however, been passed
over very rapidly, perhaps rather too much so to make it at all
satisfactory. The writer is aware that he has omitted much which
would have added to the interest of this little history; but he
has not leisure to go over it again. History has given us an
account of the sufferings of the North-Western Army only in
general terms, but no where, so far as I have been able to learn,
has there been given a particular detail of the sufferings and
privations of that detachment of the army.
I think it proper that the rising generation should know what
their fathers suffered, and how they acted in the hour of danger;
that they sustained the double character of "_Americans and
Kentuckians_." This narrative has been made as concise as I could
conveniently make it, and on that account, perhaps, the writer
has not said all that might, and that should have been said. But
it is hoped that what has been said will be sufficient to give
the youthful reader some idea of what that "Spartan band" were
called to endure. To the old men of our country these things,
perhaps, will not be new.
With regard to the massacre at Raisin, the writer has related
nothing but what he saw. What is said in reference to the brave
Hart and Hickman, he witnessed with his own eyes.
It may be thought that I have been a little too severe in what I
have said of British officers. Should any think so, all I have to
say is, had they seen and felt what we did there would have been
no difference of opinion. By some it will be thought strange to
find the savages, in point of feeling and humanity, placed above
the British--but the truth ought always to be told.
One thing the writer regrets, and that is his being compelled so
frequently to speak of himself. But he found it impossible to
give a full narration without it. Nothing is aimed at but a plain
unvarnished statement of facts, a sober description of scenes, in
the principal part of which the writer himself was an actor.
NARRATIVE.
The volunteers from Kentucky, under the command of Colonels
Allen, Lewis and Scott, left their homes on the 12th of August,
1812, and rendezvoused at Georgetown. Thence took the Dry Ridge
road to Cincinnati, where we remained a few days. We then pursued
our march through the State of Ohio, by the way of Piqua; from
which place we were called to the relief of Fort Wayne.
Nothing worthy of public notice occurred on the way, except the
alarm we had at the camp we called "Fighton," which every soldier
that was on the ground no doubt recollects. Though we were
alarmed at Piqua, by one of the sentinels shooting at a horse,
yet we had seen nothing such as occurred here. It was a dark
rainy night, just such a time as the Indians would choose to make
an attack. We anticipated danger, and made arrangements to meet
it. The army encamped in a hollow square, within a strong
breastwork, and guards were placed at every point. Whether there
were Indians about or not, some of the guard thought they heard
them, and many guns were fired on post, and all the camp called
to arms. The line of battle was more than once formed during the
night, and at one time kept under arms an hour and a half. As
this was the the first campaign with most of us, and also the
first alarm worthy of notice, it is not easy to imagine the
degree of excitement produced throughout the camp. It fell to my
lot to be on guard that night, and at the time of the greatest
alarm was on post; the guard was not relieved for near an hour
after their time had expired--an attack being momently expected.
When we arrived at Fort Wayne, we found that the Indians which
had annoyed the fort for some time, had retreated. We were then
ordered to march to two Indian towns, for the purpose of burning
the houses and destroying their corn. When we had accomplished
this, and returned to Fort Wayne, we there met the Kentucky
mounted volunteers under the command of Colonel Simrall. We
marched from Fort Wayne on the 22d of September, and pursued
Wayne's route down the Miami towards old Fort Defiance, where we
arrived on the 30th. During the latter part of this march we were
frequently annoyed by the enemy. Our advance party of spies fell
in with a body of Indians, and a small skirmish ensued, in which
one of the spies was slightly wounded, and several of the enemy
killed; the exact number could not be ascertained, as the Indians
always carry off their dead when practicable. The day before,
Ensign Liggett, of the regulars, with four men, was pursued by
this body of Indians, massacred and scalped. The loss of Ensign
Liggett was much lamented, as he was a promising young officer,
remarkable for bravery and intrepidity. He had left the company
of spies, with his four companions, to examine the country around
Fort Defiance, and had advanced several miles ahead of the
party--where they were killed. Many of Ensign Liggett's friends
are still living in Kentucky.
The annoyance from the enemy greatly retarded our movements, as
it was impossible, with any degree of certainty, to ascertain
either their situation or force. In crossing the river, however,
their whole movements were discovered. The British, with their
artillery from Detroit, and a large party of Indians, were
progressing towards Fort Wayne. After engaging our spies, and
annoying our advanced guard, they faced to the right about and
retreated precipitately. Owing to the situation of the army
(being short of provisions) it was impossible, by forced marches,
to intercept them. At this time Captain Bland Ballard showed his
skill in Indian fighting, by making good his retreat, for which
he deserves much. His Lieutenant, Munday, who had parted with him
in the morning, also effected a retreat, by charging upon the
Indians, before they ascertained his numbers, and then dashing
into camp. The next day our spies had an action--had one
wounded--and saw several Indians fall. The day following the
Indians showed in front of the spies, and snapped at one of our
men--a fire was returned, which left blood where the Indians
stood. The Indian spies were on horse back, which rendered it
difficult to ascertain their situation. Our spies could not, with
propriety, venture far from us, and we could not advance until
the country was reconnoitered, consequently our march was slow. A
short turn to the right, however, and crossing the river at an
unexpected place, gave us the advantage. After crossing the river
we saw that the enemy had artillery, and were ahead of us. We
were now within six miles of Defiance. It was very bushy for more
than a mile before we approached the fort. The army remained at
camp that morning, and sent out spies in every direction; when
they returned, they reported that the enemy had gone off down the
river. It was then deemed inexpedient to move so late in the
afternoon. It was supposed there were from one to two hundred
British, with from two to five pieces of cannon, and from four to
six hundred Indians. The artillery was certainly brought up by
water to this place, and reembarked here again. Their object must
have been Fort Wayne. By this time we became very scarce of
provisions, having nothing for some days but the poorest beef.
Some of the men began to murmer--and some went so far as to talk
of returning home--but when this was known by the officers,
measures were taken to put a stop to it. Colonel Allen, in an
animated and encouraging address to his men, banished the idea of
shrinking in the day of adversity. Captain Simpson, also, was not
unemployed. This was the first time we had sensibly felt the want
of bread.
General Harrison returned to the army on the second of October.
We were greatly animated at seeing him among us once more. He
addressed the whole army in a most thrilling speech, which
kindled in the breasts of the men, generally, an increased desire
to meet the enemy, and a willingness to endure any privations
they might be called to suffer. He remained with us but a short
time.
The enemy having retreated before us in every direction, leaving
us an extensive territory to occupy; our object then was to
establish a chain of fortified posts, in order to facilitate the
supplies necessary for a speedy invasion of Upper Canada.
Notwithstanding we were in the enemy's country, where Indian
spies were seen almost every day, yet it was impossible to keep
the men from imprudently hazarding their lives! Shortly after our
arrival at Fort Defiance, five of our men, who had been out
gathering plums, were found scalped. About this time Captain
Garrard's troop of horse, and another company, met a scouting
party of Indians and routed them. One of our militia was killed
and another wounded. In consequence of this information, General
Harrison marched the whole of his army from St. Mary's to
Defiance. General Harrison had heard from General Kelso, who
commanded a detachment of troops on lake Erie, that _two
thousand_ Indians and some regulars with several pieces of
artillery, had left Malden on an expedition against Fort Wayne!
This news, with other exaggerated accounts, induced the belief
that General Winchester was likely to be defeated. As before
stated, all the forces at St. Mary's were put in motion, but
before they reached Defiance information of the enemy's retreat
was received.
Before General Harrison left Defiance, he selected a situation
for a new fort. A party of men was detailed to procure timber for
the buildings. General Winchester, also, moved his camp from the
Miami to the Auglaize river.
The command of the left was now confided to General Winchester,
who was instructed to occupy the rapids as soon as possible for
the purpose of securing a quantity of corn which had been raised
by the inhabitants.
Before General Harrison left, he ordered General Tupper to take
all his mounted men and proceed down the Miami as far as the
Rapids. When this order was issued, General Tupper's command was
immediately supplied with provision for eight days, which
included all the flour in camp. About 12 o'clock next day a party
of Indians fired on the men immediately on the opposite bank of
the Miami, one of whom they killed, scalped, and then fled! This,
for a moment, produced alarm, and the troops were formed in order
of battle. Presently small parties of horsemen began to cross the
river in pursuit of the enemy. The horses were mostly at grass,
and as soon as they could be caught the owners engaged in the
pursuit. Eight or ten parties went, mostly from Colonel Simrall's
regiment, in one of which was the Colonel himself. General Tupper
ordered that no more should cross, apprehending from the boldness
of the Indians that a large body might be lying in ambush.
General Winchester now ordered Tupper to commence his expedition
towards the Rapids by pursuing these Indians. Tupper had
previously sent Logan and six other Indians to reconnoiter, and
did not seem willing to go until they returned. They arrived in
the evening, stating that they had seen a party of Indians, about
fifty strong, ten miles down the river. Colonel Allen now offered
his services to accompany Tupper to the Rapids in any station he
thought proper to place him, from a private soldier upwards. He
accepted his offer, and caused him to be announced as his aid.
General Winchester issued positive orders that General Tupper
should proceed; but he declined, saying he would prefer going by
the Ottoway towns, &c. At this time about three hundred of the
mounted riflemen, whose terms of service had expired, left the
camp and returned home. Colonel Simrall, believing that the
orders of General Winchester to General Tupper would not be
executed, returned to the settlements to recruit his horses and
be in readiness to march when his services should be necessary.
It will be sufficient to say this expedition at this time failed.
After the mounted men left us, nothing of importance occurred for
some time. We were engaged building the fort, which, through much
difficulty, was at length completed. This will appear, when it is
known that at that place we had not our full rations. That this
fact may be established, I will give some extracts from a letter,
written at the time, by James Garrard, Brigade Inspector: "We
have not" says he "drawn a full ration since the 8th September.
Sometimes without beef--at other times without flour: and the
worst of all, entirely without salt, which has been much against
the health of the men. They bear it with much patience, although
they have been without salt for five or six days." At this time
the sick amounted to two hundred and sixteen men, and there was
some dissatisfaction in the army against the government because
the necessary supplies were not sent on. But when they became
acquainted with the true cause of the deficiency, that the fault
was not in the government, but in the change of affairs since
their march, they were perfectly satisfied. Again Mr. Garrard
states: "You would be surprised to see the men appear on the
brigade parade. Some without shoes, others without socks,
blankets, &c. All the clothes they have are linen; but they
discharge their duty with cheerfulness, hoping that their country
will supply their wants before the severity of winter comes on."
There are many who can testify to the truth of the above. What
clothes we took with us when we left our homes had worn very
thin. Many left home with their linen hunting shirts, and some of
these were literally torn to rags by the brush. We had heard that
General Harrison had made a powerful appeal to the ladies of
Kentucky and Ohio, and we were sure it would not be in vain; and
about this time we learned that the ladies of Kentucky were
exerting themselves to relieve the soldiers of this army. It was
highly gratifying to us to know that we were kept in remembrance
by the ladies of our own State.
Near this time our spies brought in a prisoner. They took him
about thirty miles below Fort Winchester. He called himself
William Walker; had been with the Indians near thirty years, and
was married to a Wyandott squaw; he said at that time he lived at
Detroit. He was recognized by several in camp, and two men said,
"when Detroit was taken, under General Hull, he was painted like
an Indian, and was seen out of the fort," but they did not
recollect any act of hostility on his part. His story was, that
he persuaded the Indians to abandon the British; that in the end
we would ruin them, &c. That for this he was put into the
guard-house at Detroit, and told his conduct was criminal, and
consequently would be sent where he would be kept safely; that he
made his escape from the guard-house--lay concealed a few days
until he was ready--and then started to join us. The general
belief was he came as a spy. He seemed intimately acquainted with
the Indian movements, but the officers were afraid to place any
reliance upon his statements. He gave us a description of the
force we met near Defiance on their way to Fort Wayne. He
estimated their number at about nine hundred Indians and British
altogether, with two brass field pieces; that the afternoon on
which we crossed the Miami, they were at Fort Defiance, which was
only six miles from where we crossed the river, and that they
started early next morning towards the Rapids. From him we
learned that McCoy of Georgetown, whom we supposed was murdered,
had been taken prisoner. Upon being asked if any prisoners had
been taken, he replied one--a Quarter Master Sergeant. McCoy
filled that place.
We now began preparations to march towards the Rapids--having
completed a new and beautiful fort, situated near the old one,
which, like its brave progenitor, had fallen before the
irresistible hand of time. We crossed the Miami, and camped a few
miles below Defiance. During the time of our encampment we were
called to witness a very solemn transaction. A young man was
found sleeping on post--he was arraigned and sentenced to be
shot. When the time appointed for his execution arrived, the army
was paraded--the prisoner was brought to the spot--a bandage
placed over his eyes--and directed to prepare to meet death. A
platoon was ordered to take their stand a few paces in front of
the lines, ready to fire when the word should be given. A deep
silence now reigned throughout the army--every eye was fixed upon
the criminal, standing upon his knees blindfolded--the officer
commanding the platoon waiting to hear and give the word which
would hurry a fellow soldier into eternity. During this moment of
suspense a messenger came from the General bearing a reprieve.
This circumstance made a deep impression upon the whole army. It
was found necessary, also, to make an example of one who had
deserted. His sentence was to ride the wooden horse; which was
made by bending a sapling until the top reached the ground--this
he did in the presence of the whole army.
Very few Indians were seen or heard of for some weeks, neither
had any mischief been done, though the men were very careless,
and would hunt game and fruit far and near--often strolling miles
from the camp without guns. The ground on this side of the river,
where we first encamped, being disagreeable, we marched a few
miles down the river, remained a short time, and then removed to
what is called camp No. 3. There we had a beautiful situation,
and an abundance of fine timber.
Although the enemy had now retreated and left us in possession of
the Territory, we were still called to contend with the severe
weather, which not only prevented the necessary supply of
provisions from reaching us, but in our thinly clad condition
became very oppressive. We knew that efforts were making to
supply us with clothes and rations, but the roads were almost
impassable. About the first of November the men became very
sickly--the typhus fever raged with violence--three or four would
sometimes die in a day. It is said upwards of three hundred was
on the sick list at one time.
Towards the latter part of November, or first of December, the
rain fell in torrents. We were ordered to build huts, for to
advance at that time appeared impossible. Many were so entirely
destitute of shoes and other clothing, that had they been
compelled to march any distance they must have frozen. What we
suffered at Defiance was but the beginning of affliction. We now
saw nothing but hunger, and cold, and nakedness, staring us in
the face. At one time, for several days, we scarcely had any
thing to eat but some poor beef. I have seen the butchers go to a
beef and kill it, when lying down and could not get out of the
way. This kind of beef, and hickory roots, was our principal
subsistence for a length of time. When we had been here a few
weeks, and the ground became covered with snow, and we no longer
apprehended danger from the enemy, we were permitted to hunt.
This we did to some extent, but in a short time there was not a
squirrel to be found near the encampment.
During our stay at camp No. 3, a detachment was sent down the
river to assist General Tupper. I was one of the number called
out for that expedition; and a hard and fruitless one it was.
Colonel Lewis commanded. We marched until about nine o'clock at
night. Colonel C. S. Todd, with some others, was sent on to
Tupper's encampment to make some discoveries, and when the
arrived at the spot they found that Tupper had retreated, and one
of his men left dead in the camp! This information was brought to
Colonel Lewis, and after a council with his officers, he
considered it prudent to return. He thought if it were necessary
for Tupper, with six hundred and fifty men, to retreat, and the
river too between him and the enemy, he could not be justified in
meeting it on the same side with three hundred and eighty. It was
stated, but I would not vouch for the truth of it, that he left
the Rapids a few hours after he sent the express to our camp,
without notifying our detachment at all.
Early next morning we commenced our retreat, but from the
fatigues of the previous day, and want of rest that night, (for
we had no fire,) the most of us were unable to reach the army
that day, but were obliged to camp about five miles below. This
was a night of keen suspense to myself, and no doubt many others.
We had grounds to believe the Indians would pursue us with
perhaps double our number, and surprise us in the night; but we
reached the camp in safety next morning.
Our Indian spies made frequent excursions in different
directions, but their reports were not generally satisfactory.
_Logan_, one of the finest looking Indians I ever saw, was one of
them, and perhaps the only honest man among them, finding that
they were suspected either of cowardice or treachery, determined
on another expedition to the Rapids. But before leaving,
expressed his grief at the stain cast upon his character--
declaring at the same time that something should be done before
his return that should convince all concerned of his bravery and
friendship to the Government of the United States. Old _Captain
John_, and _Lightfoot_, if I mistake not, accompanied him. They
had not reached the Rapids before they fell in with the spies of
the British--a company of Indians superior to their own,
commanded by a young British officer: they managed the affair
with great dexterity. Logan, who was a man of great presence of
mind, finding, upon first sight of the enemy, a retreat to be
impracticable, instantly proposed to his comrades to approach
them in the character of friends, and report themselves as
deserters from camp No. 3. Though they had but a very few
moments, yet Logan fixed upon the signal, and concerted the plan
of escape. They met--Logan made his statement, which was received
cautiously, but so far as to prevent immediate hostilities. They
were permitted to keep their arms, but ordered to march in front,
a plain indication that they were suspected.
As the object of this band of British spies was to gain
information in reference to the army at camp No. 3, they
considered their object accomplished, and therefore returned from
this place. A conversation soon commenced respecting the
condition, number, and intentions of the army, &c., &c., during
which time Logan and his two companions were watching their
opportunity to make the attack. Although they doubled their
number, yet they determined to _rescue themselves or die_. The
signal was given, and each man brought his man to the ground.
This left their power about equal. The enemy fled a little
distance, and opened a fire upon them, which they returned with
the arms of those they had shot; but finding a retreat now
practicable, Logan ordered it, but in mounting one of the horses
of the enemy, received a ball in his breast which ranged down to
the small of his back; but, notwithstanding, succeeded in
reaching the camp that night, a distance of about thirty miles.
Old Captain John would not leave the spot until he had taken a
scalp, which he brought to camp with him. Every effort was made
by the physicians to save the life of this brave and daring man,
but all in vain. I saw him a few hours before his death. He died
like a soldier. But before his death, was heard to say--"I
suppose this will be taken as evidence of my bravery, and I shall
be no longer suspected as a traitor."
His death was greatly lamented, and his loss severely felt--and
the circumstances taken altogether, rendered the case exceedingly
affecting, especially to some of the officers.
One of the most extraordinary characters in all the army, was an
old man by the name of _Ruddle_ who acted as a spy; this man made
many excursions alone, and would remain for several days
together, almost in the heart of the enemy; and perhaps advanced
farther to discover the movements of the British and Indians,
than even our Indian spies. During the stay at camp No. 3, the
most of the information that could be relied upon, respecting the
supplies which it was expected we should find in the fields at
the Rapids, came through _Ruddle_. Such dauntless courage is not
often found. To look at him you would think him touched off a
little with the _Potawatamie_. He was well acquainted with the
Indian mode of warfare; and, if I mistake not, had once been a
prisoner among them.
Soon after this the river was frozen so as to bear us across.
This enlarged our hunting ground, for now we were suffering
greatly for provisions. At one time, for eleven days, we had
nothing but pork, just killed, without salt. These privations
were submitted to with astonishing patience--there was scarcely a
whisper or a murmur in all the camp--which manifested a
patriotism worthy the cause in which they were engaged. On the
22d of December we were informed, by general order, that we
should have flour that day, and that the prospect was fair for a
constant supply.
The 24th was the period set for our stay at camp No. 3, which was
pleasing intelligence to the whole army. On the 25th, at sunrise,
we were commanded to march to the Rapids. Being the vanguard of
the North-Western Army, General Harrison instructed us to make a
stand there until we should be joined by the North-Western Army.
For some time previous we had been engaged in making sleds to
haul our baggage, some of which had to be drawn by the soldiers
themselves.
A more pleasant and expeditious march than this had been
anticipated, for after much fatigue and labor, a great number of
canoes had been made, with which we expected our baggage would be
taken with great ease and safety down the river; but to our great
disappointment, before we could make preparations, or before our
provisions reached us--without which we could not move--cold
weather set in, and closed up the river. This circumstance at
first seemed to present an obstacle insurmountable; many of the
men were sick, and that sickness occasioned by being compelled to
eat fresh pork without bread or salt, and from being exposed to
cold and wet.
But this was not the only difficulty. Many who had not been so
provident, perhaps, as the case required, were bare of clothes,
and almost barefooted, and were ill prepared to undertake such a
march through the snow.
Thus, ill clad, worn down by fatigue and starvation, and chilled
by the cold wintry blasts of the north we were compelled to
brave--there was no alternative--our condition made it necessary
for us to fall upon some other plan to reach the Rapids, where we
expected to meet supplies. Under the impulse of this hope we went
to work and made sleds sufficient to carry the baggage. But as
these were not sufficient to take the sick, many of them had to
be left behind. On the 25th, as above stated, we bid adieu to
this memorable place, camp No. 3, where lie the bones of many a
brave man. This place will live in the recollection of all who
suffered there, and for more reasons than one. There comes up
before the mind the many times the dead march was heard in the
camp, and the solemn processsion that carried our fellow
sufferers to the grave--the many times we were almost on the
point of starvation--and the many sickening disappointments which
were experienced by the army from day to day, and from week to
week, by the failure of promised supplies, which were daily
expected: and, also, that here we parted with the sick, some of
whom we were to see no more.
Thus poorly equipped, deeply affected, and yet overjoyed, we took
up the line of march. The reader may ask how such a number of
sleds could be drawn, seeing there was not a supply of horses.
Some of them were drawn by the _men themselves_--five men were
hitched to a sleigh, and, through snow and water, dragged them on
at the rate of about ten miles a day. But to our great disadvantage
during our march, there was an immense fall of snow. It seemed that
the very elements fought against us. But notwithstanding all, we
moved slowly on towards the destined point. What the men suffered
by day, was comparatively nothing to what they experienced by
night. The reader can form but a faint idea unless he had been on
the spot, and had seen and felt what we saw and felt. Some time was
required to arrange the encampment, during which time the men were
compelled to keep their places in the lines, and thus become so
chilled as to be almost unfit for the necessary exertion of
preparing a resting place for themselves. The snow, which was about
knee deep, had first to be cleared away, then fire to be struck
with flint and steel, and when no lynn bark could be had, brush was
substituted in its place, which formed our bed. Hard and
uncomfortable as it was, yet such was our fatigue that we generally
slept soundly. To give a detailed account of individual suffering
during this march, from camp No. 3 to the Rapids, would swell this
sketch beyond its intended limits; and perhaps facts would be
related which the present generation, who have but little knowledge
of these things only from report, would scarcely believe.
Our little vehicles being made upon a small scale, were too light
to carry the burden put upon them, and not sufficiently high to
cross the little streams which lay in our way, consequently much
damage was done to our baggage, and our provisions (which were
barely sufficient to last us to the Rapids,) was much injured by
getting wet. This, it will be plainly seen, was well calculated
to increase our sufferings. In fact, the half of what was endured
on this slow and painful march has never yet been published to
the world, and perhaps never will.
"While on our march, General Winchester received another despatch
from the commander-in-chief, recommending him to abandon the
movement towards the Rapids, and fall back with the greater part
of his force to Fort Jennings. This advice was given in consequence
of some intelligence received from Colonel Campbell, at Massiniway,
respecting the force of Tecumseh on the Wabash. General Harrison
was apprehensive if the left wing advanced so far as the Rapids,
Tecumseh would be able to attack and destroy all the provisions in
the rear." Winchester had already commenced his march, and did not
wish to discontinue and return.
At length, on the 10th of January, we arrived at the Rapids.
General Winchester had previously sent forward a detachment of
six hundred and seventy men, under General Payne, to attack a
body of Indians which General Harrison had been informed was
lying in an old fortification at Swan creek, a few miles farther
down the river. After passing several miles below the old fort,
and discovering no appearance of Indians, the whole returned to
the position which the army intended to occupy.
About this time the clothes which were sent by the patriotic sons
and daughters of Kentucky, began to reach the army. The gratitude
of the troops generally was beyond expression. Some had withstood
the keen blasts of that cold northern country, until some time in
January, with linen hunting shirts and pantaloons, and many
almost without either shoes or socks. General Payne in a letter
to Governor Shelby, in which he expresses his gratitude, as well
as that of the troops, says--"As an _earnest_ of her disposition
to aid the National Government, Kentucky, at an early period,
with a characteristic ardour, sent forth more than her quota
required by the Government; and whilst a spark of genuine feeling
animates the breasts of her volunteers in the North-Western Army,
they can never cease to feel a lively gratitude for the further
_earnest_ of her anxiety for the cause, manifested in the late
abundant supply of clothing." It certainly was a source of
heartfelt satisfaction, to express a proper sense of the
obligations under which the patriotism of the _sons_ of Kentucky
had placed her volunteers; but the pleasure was greatly
heightened when we reflected that to the _daughters_ of Kentucky
we were mostly indebted for imperious supplies to meet the blasts
of a northern winter.
I hope it is not still too late (though many who engaged in that
laudable work have gone from this scene of war and bloodshed,)
for me to express my unfeigned gratitude to the daughters of my
native State for the blessings bestowed on me as an individual;
and as I have never had an opportunity before to express myself,
permit me further to say, that these favors, while I possess a
spark of feeling, shall never cease to produce a lively sense of
gratitude. Help, in real need, is not forgotten.
"On the day of our arrival a recent Indian camp was discovered
about one half mile from us. Captain Williams was immediately
despatched, with twenty five men, to pursue the Indians. He very
soon overtook and routed them. A few shots were exchanged, by
which some on both sides were wounded."
A large storehouse was immediately commenced for the purpose of
securing the provisions and baggage. We found a quantity of corn
in the fields, which was soon gathered; and before any machinery
was prepared to pound and sift it, a quantity was boiled whole,
and eaten without even salt. But we quickly arranged to have it
made into hommony, and after the hogs came, we fared well upon
"hog and hommony." You may judge of our relish for our food, when
I tell you that one of our company, whose name I will not give,
eat so much corn that he appeared to be actually foundered, and
unable to walk for more than a week.
On the evening of the thirteenth, two Frenchmen arrived from the
river _Raisin_ with information that the Indians routed by
Captain Williams had passed that place on their way to Malden,
carrying with them intelligence of our advance. They said the
Indians had threatened to kill their inhabitants and burn their
town, and begged for protection from the American arms. They were
charged with a despatch from Mr. Day, a citizen who was friendly
to our cause, and who stated that the British were seizing all
suspected persons at the river "Raisin," and confining them at
Malden prison, and were preparing to carry off all provisions of
every description. On the _fourteenth_ another messenger arrived,
and on the _sixteenth_ two more came in. They all confirmed the
news brought by the first, and solicited protection, as they were
afraid the people would be massacred and the town burned by the
Indians whenever our army should advance upon them. They stated
the present force of the enemy to be two companies of Canadians,
and about two hundred Indians, but that more Indians might be
expected to assemble. The greatest anxiety now prevailed in our
army to advance in force sufficient to defeat the enemy at that
place. A council of officers was called by the General, a
majority of whom were decidedly in favor of sending a strong
detachment--Colonel Allen supported that side of the question
with ardour.
On the morning of the seventeenth, Colonel Lewis, with five
hundred and fifty men, took up their line of march for the "river
Raisin." The same day Colonel Allen followed with one hundred and
ten more, who came up with Lewis late in the evening, where he
was encamped at Presque Isle, Early on the morning of the same
day General Winchester prepared a despatch to inform General
Harrison of this movement. He stated that his principal object
was to prevent the flour and grain from being carried off by the
enemy; that if he got possession of Frenchtown he intended to
hold it, and that a co-operating reinforcement from the right
wing might be necessary.
Before the express had started with this letter, information was
received from Colonel Lewis at Presque Isle, a distance of twenty
miles in advance, that there were four hundred Indians at the
river Raisin, and that Colonel Elliott was expected from Malden,
with a detachment to attack the camp at the Rapids. Colonel Lewis
set out very early next morning, intending, if possible, to
anticipate Colonel Elliott at Frenchtown. That village lies
midway between Presque Isle and Malden, the distance to each
being eighteen miles. The most of our march was on the ice on
Miami bay, and the borders of lake Erie. When we had arrived
within a few miles of the river Raisin we were discovered by some
Indians, who hastened to give the alarm to the main body of the
enemy. Before we left the border of the lake, a halt was called
to take some refreshment. Having resumed our march, a piece of
timbered land was passed through, and as the troops proceeded in
the open plain they were formed into three lines, each corps
being in the proper place for action. The right was commanded
by Colonel Allen, and was composed of the companies of Captains
McCracken, Bledsoe, and Matson. I was in Captain Bledsoe's
company during this expedition. The left wing was commanded by
Major Graves, and was composed of the companies of Hamilton,
Williams, and Kelly. The centre consisted of the companies of
Hightower, Collier, and Sabree, and was commanded by Major
Madison. The advance guard consisted of the companies of Captains
Hickman, Graves, and Jones, under the command of Captain Ballard,
acting as Major.
When we arrived within a quarter of a mile of the village, and
discovered the enemy in motion, the line of battle was formed--
expecting an immediate attack--but it was soon perceived the
enemy did not intend to risk a combat in the open field. The
detachment broke off by the right of companies and marched under
the fire of the enemy's cannon until we arrived on the river. We
succeeded well in crossing, though the ice in many places was
very slippery. Having crossed, instantly the long roll was beat
(the signal for a general charge.) Majors Graves and Madison were
ordered to possess themselves of the houses and picketing, about
which the enemy had collected, and where they had placed their
cannon. This order was promptly executed, and both battalions
advanced under an incessant shower of bullets; neither the
picketing nor fencing over which they passed retarded their
progress or success, for the enemy in that quarter was dislodged.--
meantime, Colonel Allen fell in with them a considerable distance
to the right, when, after pursuing them to the woods, they made a
stand with their howitzer and small arms, covered by a chain of
inclosed lots and a group of houses, having in their rear a thick
brushy wood filled with fallen timber. Orders were now given
through Major Garrard to Majors Graves and Madison to possess
themselves of the woods on the left, and move up towards the main
body of the enemy as fast as practicable, and divert their
attention from Colonel Allen. At the moment the fire commenced with
the battalions, the right wing advanced, and the enemy was soon
driven from the fencing and houses, and our troops began to enter
the woods in close pursuit. The fight now became very close, and
extremely hot on the right wing--the enemy concentrating the chief
of their forces of both kinds to force the lines, but still kept
moving in a retreat, although slowly, for we were much exhausted.
The joint exertions of Graves, Madison, and Allen, were successful
in completely routing the enemy. The distance they retreated before
us was not less than _two_ miles, and every foot of the way under
charge. The battle lasted from three o'clock until dark! The
detachment was then drawn off in good order, and encamped upon the
ground the enemy first occupied. About the going down of the sun, I
received a wound in my right shoulder. A moment before I received
the shot, I saw John Locke and Joseph Simpson advancing together,
some distance to the left, and ahead of the main body. One was
killed and the other wounded not far from the spot where I last saw
them.
"The gallant conduct," says Colonel Lewis, "of Colonel Allen
during every charge of this warmly contested action, has raised
for him no ordinary military merit. Majors Graves and Madison
deserve high praise for their undeviating attention to orders,
and the energy and despatch with which they executed them.
Captain Blan B. Ballard also led the van with great skill and
bravery." He further says: "I take this opportunity of tendering
my most hearty thanks to Brigade Major Garrard, Captain Smith,
and Adjutant McCuller, who acted as my aids, for the great
support they gave me during the whole of the action. The company
officers acted with great bravery." The Colonel closes by saying,
"both officers and soldiers supported the double character of
Americans and Kentuckians." It was impossible for us to ascertain
the exact force of the enemy; but from the best information,
there were about _one_ hundred British and _four_ hundred
Indians. It was said Major Reynolds was present and commanded the
whole. Their number killed we could not ascertain, and perhaps it
is unknown to the Americans until the present time. From the
number found on the field where the battle commenced, and from
the blood and trails where they had dragged off their dead and
wounded, the slaughter must have been considerable. One Indian
and two Canadian militia were taken prisoners. So steady and
composed were our men in the assaults, that while the enemy were
killed or driven from their houses, not a woman or child was
injured. Our loss was _twelve_ killed and fifty five wounded.
Joseph Simpson was the only man belonging to Captain Simpson's
company that was killed in the first engagement. Very few of our
men were killed or wounded until we reached the woods; here we
fought under great disadvantages, not being acquainted with the
ground, and most of us being unacquainted with the Indian mode of
warfare. Thus our want of experience and eagerness to overtake
the enemy, gave them a decided advantage over us. Their method
was to retreat rapidly until they were out of sight, (which was
soon the case in the brushy woods,) and while we were advancing
they were preparing to give us another fire; so we were generally
under the necessity of firing upon them as they were retreating.
During the charge, I saw several of our brave boys lying upon the
snow wallowing in the agonies of death. But none could stop even
to help his brother, for our situation required the utmost
exertion of every man as long as he could render any service.
It was sometime after dark before we reached the place from which
we drove the enemy, where we encamped for the night, and where we
were accommodated with all the necessaries of life, and every
attention which our situation required. I cannot but speak a word
in favor of our physicians: too much cannot be said in their
praise for the prompt attention which they gave on that occasion.
Though it was late before the houses were prepared, and other
arrangements made for the accommodation of the wounded, yet every
man had his wounds dressed before the surgeons took any rest.
Their memory deserves to be perpetuated.
Immediately after the battle an express was sent to convey the
news of our success to General Winchester, at whose camp he
arrived before daylight; and from that place another was sent to
communicate the intelligence to General Harrison.
Colonel Lewis was determined, if possible, to hold the place
until a reinforcement could be sent on. We knew our situation was
very critical, being only _eighteen_ miles from Malden; yet it
appeared to make scarcely any impression upon our minds, so long
had we been in the region of the enemy, and so much had we
suffered from cold, hunger, and fatigue. The fare was now so
different to what we had been accustomed since we left the
settlement in Ohio--and some of the troops were so much elated
with having driven the enemy from their fortifications, and
having taken possession of their provisions, &c.--that we almost
seemed to forget that we had an enemy in the world.
On the evening of the nineteenth, General Winchester left the
Rapids with two hundred and fifty men, which were all that could
be spared from that post. He reached us on the night of the
twentieth, and encamped in an open lot on the right of the former
detachment. Colonel Lewis had encamped in a place where he was
defended by garden pickets, which were sufficient to defend from
an attack of small arms. Colonel Wells commanded the reinforcement;
and to him the General named, but did not positively command, a
breast-work for the protection of his camp. The General himself,
established his quarters in a house upon the south side of the
river; about three hundred yards from the camp.
On the 21st, a place was selected for the whole detachment to
encamp, in good order, with a determination to fortify the next
day. About sunset Colonel ------ solicited and obtained leave to
return to the Rapids. On this day, certain information was
obtained that the British were preparing for an attack, and that
we might look for it in a very short time. A Frenchman came from
Malden with information that a large force of British and
Indians--which he supposed would number near three thousand--were
about to march from that place shortly after he left it. But even
this was not credited, or if believed, was little regarded by
many of the troops! The most of the men acted as though they knew
themselves to be perfectly secure; some wandering; about the town
until a late hour at night! For myself, I can say, I felt little
dread, though I had reason to believe that our situation was very
perilous. I slept soundly until awaked by the startling cry of
"to arms! to arms!" and the thundering of cannon and roar of
small arms, and the more terific yelling of savages.
Major Madison and Colonel Lewis, together with most of the
officers, had cautioned their men to be on their guard, and be
prepared for an attack. Guards, as usual, were placed out; but as
it was extremely cold, no picket guard was placed upon the road
by which the enemy was expected to advance. At day-break, on the
morning of the 22nd, just as the drum began to beat, three guns
were fired by the sentinels; in an instant the men were at their
posts. The British now began to open a heavy fire of cannon and
small arms. They appeared mostly to direct their cannon to the
house which contained the ammunition, and where the wounded
officers lay. Every circumstance attending this awful scene,
conspired to make it more alarming--the time and manner in which
it was commenced--for they approached in the dark with profound
silence--not a breath was heard until all was ready, then, sudden
as a flash of powder, the bloody work began.
The first thing that presented itself to my sight, after awaking
out of sleep and going to the window, was the fiery tail of a
bombshell--and these came in quick succession. Just at this
moment, the fire of small arms from both sides began. For a
considerable time it was one continued roar. But I could,
nevertheless, distinguish between the enemies guns and our own.
The British regulars approached immediately in front of Colonel
Lewis' detachment, but did not long remain within the reach of
small arms, for a well directed fire from the pickets soon
repulsed them, with the loss of a number of their soldiers whom
they left upon the field. They would not have approached so near
if they had known precisely our situation. They told me whilst I
was at Detroit, that they thought we were encamped in the open
field outside of the garden pickets; but as soon as it was light,
and they discovered their mistake, they retreated. The yelling of
the Indians appeared to be mostly on the right, though some was
heard upon the left, but none in the centre.