which was unprotected by any breastwork, after maintaining the
conflict for a short time, was overpowered and fell back. Just at
this time General Winchester came up and ordered the retreating
troops to rally and form behind the second bank of the river, and
inclining toward the centre, take refuge behind the picketing.
These orders were probably not heard, and being hard pressed both
by the British and Indians in front and on their right flank,
they were completely thrown into confusion, and retreated in
disorder over the river. A detachment which was sent from the
pickets to reinforce the right wing, and a few others who
supposed the whole army was ordered to retreat, joined in its
flight. Those brave men, Colonels Allen and Lewis, both followed,
hoping to assist in rallying the troops. An attempt was made to
rally them on the south side of the river, behind the houses and
garden pickets, but all in vain; the Indians had taken possession
of the woods behind them, and thus completely cut off their
retreat, and no alternative now remained but to stand and fight a
superior force, which was every moment accumulating, and which
had every advantage, or to retreat to better ground. In their
dismay and confusion they attempted to pass a narrow lane--the
Indians were on both sides, and shot them in every direction. A
large party which had gained the woods on the right, were
surrounded and massacred without distinction.
Captain Watson, who was an eye-witness, states, "that after
crossing the river, they attempted to form and give battle, but
the houses being in the way, they failed in the attempt. They
then retreated through a lane for one hundred yards, on the sides
of which a number of Indians were placed, who injured them very
much." He, though wounded, joined in the retreat. He further
states "that the Indians pursued on each side for about one mile,
they then fell back in the rear." He then saw Colonel Lewis and
requested him to form the men and make a stand against the
Indians once more, as many of the men were wounded and could
retreat no farther. The attempt was made without success, as many
were without arms. He afterwards saw General Winchester, and
begged of him for God's sake to make a stand, as the Indians were
in close pursuit, and he himself was much exhausted, and was
convinced that many more were in the same condition. The General
informed him that the men could not be rallied.
After retreating about three miles from Raisin they came to a
field, those on foot passed through, and those on horseback rode
around. Here Captain Watson, General Winchester, Colonel Lewis,
Doctor Ervine and Doctor Patrick, were seen going slowly forward,
their horses much fatigued, and a number of Indians pursuing on
fresh horses, who soon overtook them.
Captain Watson, seeing the Indians within one hundred yards of
him, slipped through a fence, pulled off his shoes, ran along the
fence in a stooping position about sixty yards, and hid himself
in some high grass. The Indians continued to pursue those who
were before. He thinks there were not more than fifty men ahead
of him. After the Indians had passed by, the Captain moved to a
prairie, where he concealed himself until dark, and then pushed
on to the Rapids, keeping the road a distance to the right.
Mr. Newel, one of Captain Watson's company, concealed himself in
a barn, near to where the Indians returned. His account is, that
they had "a number of scalps tied to their saddles, and a number
also of our men tied." He left the barn on the 23d at night--lost
his way, and went back to the river Raisin in the night. He was
there informed that all who stood their ground had been taken
prisoners, and that but few had been killed. It is due to the
memory of Doctor Davis to notice a circumstance which was related
by one of the wounded. He stated, that at the commencement of the
action he took a gun belonging to a companion of his, also
wounded, and moved forward to join the company; the Doctor seeing
him, said, "give me the gun, your situation will not allow you to
expose yourself," and went himself into the engagement--showing
his promptness in every part of duty, whether in dressing the
wounded, or in facing the enemy as a private soldier.
I made inquiry of all the prisoners which I could see, about
Colonel Allen and Captain Simpson, but could hear nothing
satisfactory. I spent a year in prison with several men who were
in the retreating party, and often heard them relate what they
knew of that sad affair; but as they did not belong to our
company, and were not personally acquainted with Colonel Allen
and Captain Simpson, and as they were in such a state of alarm--
all around being dismay and confusion--they could not particularly
notice any person, but directed their whole attention toward their
own personal safety. Perhaps the whole truth relating to those
brave men, who fell in the retreating party, will never be known.
It has been related that Captain Simpson fell not far from the
mouth of the lane through which the troops had just passed. It has
also been stated of Colonel Allen: "After making several
unsuccessful efforts to rally his men--entreating them to halt, and
to sell their lives as dearly as possible--that he had retreated
about two miles, until he was exhausted; he then sat down upon a
log and resigned himself up to his fate. An Indian Chief perceiving
him to be an officer of distinction, was anxious to make him a
prisoner. As soon as he came to the Colonel, he threw his gun
across his lap and told him in Indian to surrender and he should be
safe. Another savage having advanced with a hostile appearance,
Colonel Allen, with one stroke of his sword, laid him dead at his
feet. A third Indian had the honor of shooting one of the first and
bravest men of Kentucky.
Before we leave the retreating party, it may not be out of place
to record two circumstances which show the estimate which the
Indians set upon bravery, and also how they treat cowardice. The
circumstances were related to me as follows: A young man after
the Indians had taken him prisoner, and appeared inclined to save
his life, showed great alarm, and at length told the Indians that
he would tell them where they might find a great many white men,
and might kill them all, &c. The Indians instantly took his life,
although until then they had showed no hostility toward him. The
other related to the narrator himself. He stated that after the
Indians took him prisoner, they marched him very hard, until he
became so much exhausted that he was no longer able to travel as
fast as they wished him to go. They shook their tomahawks at him,
and told him that he must march faster or die. He was starving
and sick, but he kept on as fast and as far as he could, and when
he could go no farther he laid down upon the ground and told them
to kill him. They motioned with their weapons as if they intended
to take his life, but when they saw his resolution they became
attached to him, and aided him all they could to go on the
journey, and were kind to him as long as he remained with them.
After the British had withdrawn their forces from our front, and
the Indians had mostly disappeared, and the firing, save a few
scattering guns from some scouting Indians, had ceased, the
situation of the retreating party became a matter of anxious
concern with Colonel Lewis' detachment, which was left within the
picketing. Some were heard to express their fears that they were
generally cut off, because of the firing heard in that direction.
During all the time the troops within the pickets stood to their
posts, and now in this critical moment fully sustained the
character of brave Kentuckians. Majors _Madison_ and _Garrard_,
when the amunition grew short in the catridge boxes, were
employed busily to furnish the men with a supply, carrying them
around in their pocket handkerchiefs and strewing them upon the
ground at the soldiers' feet, and at the same time exhorting them
never to think of a surrender. Some of our brave men fell by a
party of savages coming up under the north bank of the river.
From the house containing the wounded, they were discovered.
Information was given immediately, and by a detachment they were
soon routed.
The firing now had ceased, except a shot as an Indian was seen
passing about. The men had to keep a strict look out to prevent
surprise, as the Indians were skulking about, and no one felt
safe for a single moment. After the cannon, which had been placed
down the river about two hundred yards, had ceased firing--the
horse and driver which supplied the ammunition being killed--
those of us who had received wounds in the battle (myself among
the rest,) proceeded to take our breakfasts of a little light
bread. This was all that we could now procure.
All the while we were at a loss to know why the British troops
had been withdrawn to the woods, and the Indians left alone to
contend by themselves; but we afterwards learned that they were
waiting the return of the Indians who had pursued the retreating
party. When they returned they brought _General Winchester_ and
_Colonel Lewis_ with them.
As soon as General Proctor, the British commander, heard that
General Winchester was taken, he basely determined to take
advantage of it, and thereby procure the surrender of all those
within the picketing. He represented to the General that nothing
but an immediate surrender could save the Americans from an
indiscriminate Indian massacre. It was not until the flag
approached, borne by Major Overton, one of the Generals' aids,
bringing orders from General Winchester to surrender, that we
dreamed that the General, or Colonel Lewis, were prisoners. When
this news reached the troops, that General Winchester had
surrendered the whole as prisoners to the British, it was like a
shock of lightning from one end of the lines to the other. A
number declared that they never would submit, let the consequences
be what they might. But when they found that Majors Madison and
Garrard had consented to obey the orders of General Winchester,
some of them, in great rage, threw down their guns with such force
as: to shiver the stocks from the barrels.
When the flag above named was first discovered to advance,
various conjectures were entertained of the design. The greater
number supposed that the enemy was tired of the game and wished
to quit, and desired permission to bury their dead, which were
not few. There were also many badly wounded. It was plain to
discover where their lines had been formed, by the number of
killed and wounded still lying on the field.
When Major Madison approached the flag, Colonel Proctor, with
great haughtiness, demanded an immediate surrender, or he would
set the town on fire, and that the Indians should not be
restrained from committing an indiscriminate massacre. Major
Madison observed "that it had been customary for the Indians to
massacre the wounded prisoners after a surrender," and "that he
could not agree to any capitulation which General Winchester
might direct, unless the safety and protection of his men were
secured." Colonel Proctor then said, "Sir, do you mean to dictate
for me?" "No," replied Madison, "I mean to dictate for _myself_--and
we prefer to sell our lives as dearly as possible, rather
than be massacred in cold blood." Proctor then agreed to receive
a surrender upon the terms, that all private property should be
respected--that sleds should be sent next morning to remove the
sick and wounded to Amherstburg--and that in the mean time they
should be protected by a guard, and the side arms should be
restored to the officers at Malden.
But this unprincipled deceiver, bearing the title of General,
suffered the savages to violate the treaty before his own eyes.
Whilst the men were in parade to surrender their arms in order,
the Indians began to tear up the tents and to plunder in every
direction gathering up every thing in the shape of clothing, and
every knapsack which they could find. I could not bear arms from
my wound, and whilst the men were on parade, some time before
they were marched off, I was passing about and noticing the
movements and work of the Indians. They were striving who should
get the most plunder. I passed around to the front of the house
to take a look at the boys before they left us; they braved it
off as well as might have been expected. Some looked a little
dejected--others joked and laughed. One, who had not yet fallen
into the ranks, was standing upon a stile-block, and said to the
English: "Well, you have taken the greatest set of game cocks
that ever came from Kentuck." I wish I could remember his name--
he was calculated to remind one of a game cock.
_John Locke_ and _Jesse Fisher_, of our company, were badly
wounded; and as both Proctor and Elliott had promised to send
sleds for us in the morning, and though able to walk myself, I
resolved to risk it, and stay and assist those who were not able
to help themselves. _Captain Hart_, of Lexington, Kentucky,
expressed great anxiety to be taken with the prisoners to Malden.
His men offered to carry him, and were reluctant to leave him
behind; but Colonel Elliott, the commander of the Indians, being
well acquainted with Hart and his family--having in former life
received great favors from them in Kentucky--assured him that he
need not be under the least apprehension of danger--that the
Indians would not molest those that were left--and that, upon the
honor of a soldier, he would send his own sleigh for him on the
next morning and have him conveyed to Malden.
Some of the more discerning apprehended great danger in being
left, and insisted on all that could go to do so. The brave
Captain Hickman saw the danger, and desired all that could walk
not to remain; for, said he to Mr. Holton, (now Captain Holton,)
"there are more of us here now than will ever get away." This,
from what I could afterwards learn, was the sentiment entertained
and expressed by all the officers. But what could they do in
their wounded and defenceless condition, being no doubt doomed to
death by the infamous Proctor and Elliott.
These brave officers and soldiers, who had battled against the
very elements for months, and had passed through sufferings
almost equal to death itself, lived through it all only to meet
the most horrid of all deaths--of being butchered in cold blood,
and that without having the power or means of defence.
The parting was a solemn one, and not only solemn, but in
reference to most of those unhappy victims, it was final. Many
were greatly affected, especially the friends of Hart and
Hickman. But having fallen into the hands of a bloody and
heartless tyrant, this brave "Spartan band" were compelled to
submit to his cruel dictates.
No time was now to be lost--all eyes were directed towards the
Rapids--the cowardly Proctor dreaded the approach of General
Harrison, and therefore made all possible speed to get out of his
way, fearing to meet so brave and experienced an officer; and
well he might, for the sight of General Harrison at that time
would have been death to the hopes and prospects of these red and
white savages, while it would have been a jubilee to those
hapless Kentuckians who were doomed to death.
After a few formalities of delivering up arms, &c., they were
hurried off and driven like so many beasts to market, but with
much less tenderness and kindness than a merciful man would show
to his beast. After their arrival at Malden, they were crowded
into a pen, and there guarded, without anything to protect them
from the weather. Their bread, what little they got, was thrown
to them like throwing corn to swine.
Though there was a much shorter rout by which the prisoners might
have been returned to their own country, yet this did not satisfy
these wanton tyrants--nothing would do but the prisoners must, in
the dead of winter, march on foot up Detroit river; thence up the
Thames, to Delaware town; thence across the country to Burlington
Heights; and from this point to Fort Niagara--a distance perhaps
of five hundred miles--when the whole could have been accomplished
in about two days' march, by sending them back to the Rapids, where
they would have fallen in with their friends at once. But no,--
nothing but the infliction of suffering would satisfy those cruel
tyrants.
These things are but barely mentioned, that the attention of the
young and rising generation may be led to reflect upon them. And
that they may have some knowledge of what their fathers suffered
in defence of the liberties they now so richly enjoy.
After the men were marched off every thing was quiet; now and
then an Indian was seen straying about as though seeking plunder.
They did not manifest hostility, and our fears began to subside,
and we hoped to be conveyed to the army on the next morning.
Doctors Todd and Bowers were left to take care of the wounded.
Major Reynolds and and three interpreters composed the only guard
to protect the wounded from the savages. We were hoping that
General Harrison, then on his way from the Rapids, would just at
that time arrive and give us relief by his reinforcement. Major
Reynolds was evidently uneasy lest Harrison should arrive. Some
of the Indians staid in town until late in the night. Major
Reynolds and the interpreters left some time in the night; at
least they left our house, and we saw them no more.
As night came on, our fears began to increase. An Indian came
into the house and told us that he thought there was danger to be
feared from some Indians, which he thought were disposed to do
mischief. He manifested some uneasiness himself; perhaps fearing
that some Indian might shoot into the house. He appeared to be
well acquainted with the affairs of the Indians, in general, and
had some knowledge of the movements and designs of the British
and American armies--which he was not at all backward in
expressing. He spoke the English language fluently; and from his
manners, I would infer that he had spent much of his life with
the white population. His principal object seems to have been to
gain all the information possible about General Harrison, and the
strength of the Northwestern army. It is probable, however, that
another object of his visit was to find out from us whether we
thought it probable that General Harrison would advance
immediately with the main body of his army to make an attack upon
Malden. He gained but little information from us. There was but
one man of our company thoughtless enough to give any _correct_
information, whose name I shall not mention. He told us many
things about Tecumseh and the Indians from the north that were
coming to join them in the spring. He seemed to entertain no
doubt but that they would, when all their forces were brought
together, find it an easy matter to conquer all the armies the
United States could send to the north. After remaining in our
room about two hours, he very politely bid us good night, and
left us.
After the departure of this Indian chief, (for I have but little
doubt but what he was among the principal leaders of the Indian
forces,) some conversation ensued among ourselves in reference to
the designs of this crafty and intelligent chief.
There was, as well as I can recollect, but one opinion expressed
on the subject; and I believe it was the opinion of all, that
that would be the last night with most of us. We dreaded an
attack during the night; for this Indian, just as he left, said
"I am afraid some of the mischievious boys will do some mischief
before morning." After remaining in this state of suspense for
more than an hour, expecting every moment that the savages would
come rushing upon us; but every thing becoming quiet, we laid
down upon our blankets to rest: but rested very little during
this dismal night. Dreadful as was the night, the morning was
more fearful. Just as the sun had risen upon us, and our hopes
began to rise; and just as we were about to eat the morsel of
bread left us by our friends who had been marched off the day
before, that we might be ready at a moments warning to leave,
should the British send sleighs for us, we heard a noise in the
passage, and before we had time to think, the door of our room
was forced open by an Indian, who entered with tomahawk in hand,
ready to commence his bloody work. He was quickly followed by
others. Their first object was plunder. They had no sooner
entered the door of our room, than they began, in the most cruel
manner, to strip the blankets and clothes off the wounded as they
lay upon the floor. Fortunately for me, I was at the opposite
side of the room from the door at which the Indians entered, near
a door leading into the front room of the house; and finding
there was no time to lose, I immediately passed out into the
front room, where I met one of the most savage looking Indians I
ever beheld. His very appearance was enough to terrify the
stoutest heart. His face painted as black as charcoal could make
it, plainly indictive of his deadly design; a bunch of long
feathers fastened on his head, almost as large as a half bushel;
a large tomahawk, the instrument of death, in his right hand; a
scalping knife fastened to his belt. He instanly seized me by the
collar, and led me out at the front door. At first I manifested
some unwillingness to go with him. He then spoke very earnestly
in his own language, and at the same time pulled me along
forcibly, as if to remove me from the scene of death within. He
led me through the front gate, and down the river about one
hundred yards to the other houses, in which were Captains _Hart_,
_Hickman_, and others. After leading me through the front gate,
he left me. Just at this time, Captain Hart came out of his room,
barefooted, with nothing on but shirt and drawers. In this
condition he stood in the snow for some length of time pleading
for his life. I here met with the chief who had been in our room
in the evening. Captain _Hart_ understanding the designs of
Proctor and Elliott, and knowing that the only possible chance
for life, under the circumstances, was to make some arrangement
with the Indians. For this purpose he sought an interview with
this one, as he seemed to be a leader, and very intelligent. They
met in the front yard, near the gate, about the time I came in.