At the retaking of Detroit, and the defeat of the army under Gen.
Proctor, extracted from the "_View of the N.W. Campaign_," by
Samuel R. Brown.
The chagrin and disappointment, added to the serious loss of the fine
army, under Gen. Hull, cast a temporary gloom over the whole union,
but this sentiment soon subsided, and all felt the necessity of
immediate action. Pennsylvania and Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, all
felt eager to wipe away the deep stain on our national character.
Volunteers every where presented themselves, and but a short period
elapsed before an army was ready, as if by magic, to retrieve the
fortune of arms. A leader was wanting--all eyes looked with a common
impulse upon the hero of TIPPECANOE; the united voice of the people of
the west called on the Governor of Kentucky to dispense with all
formalities, and General _William Henry Harrison_, was brevetted a
major general, with directions to take command of the north-western
army.
On the 3d of September, the Indians made a furious assault on Fort
Harrison. They kept up a brisk fire the whole night, and one time had
actually succeeded in making a breach in the defences of the place.
The roofs of the buildings were several times on fire; one of the
blockhouses was burnt. Captain Taylor, however, succeeded in defending
the post and finally beat them off. The scene was enough to try the
soul of a hero. There were but eighteen effective men in the fort, and
two of them, in a moment of despair, leapt the pickets to escape. The
night was dark--the yelling of several hundred savages, and the cries
of the women, were sufficient to excite terror in the stoutest heart.
On the 4th of September, Gen. Harrison arrived at Urbana and assumed
the command of the north-western army. The rapids of the Miami of the
Lakes were fixed upon as the point of concentration, the several corps
of which were to move in the following directions:--two thousand
Pennsylvania volunteers under General Crooks, were to move from
Pittsburgh along the shores of lake Erie: Gen. Tupper's brigade of
Ohio volunteers were to take Hull's route from Urbana to the Rapids:
fifteen hundred Virginians, under Brigadier Gen. Leftwich, were to
take the same route, whenever they should arrive. Gen. Payne's brigade
of Kentucky volunteers, with the 17th U. States' regiment, Col. Wells,
were to advance to Fort Wayne, and descend the Miami; such was the
disposition of the forces which were to constitute the _new_ army.
A considerable Indian force appeared before Fort Wayne on the 5th.
They invested the place closely for several days; they burnt the U.
States' factory and many other valuable houses. A brother of Gov.
Meigs, and two soldiers were killed near the fort.
Gen. Harrison marched with the brigade of Gen. Payne and the regulars
to relieve fort Wayne--the enemy fled at his approach.
There was now a favorable moment for making the Indians feel the
effects of the war. An expedition was accordingly projected against
several towns within two days march of that place. The whole force was
divided and placed under the command of Gen. Payne and Colonel Wells.
The former was directed to destroy the Miami towns at the forks of the
Wabash; and the latter to go against the Potawatamie villages at Elk
Hart.
The commander in chief accompanied Gen. Payne on the expedition: four
of the Miami villages were burnt, three of which were remarkably
flourishing. All their corn was cut up and piled, in order that it
might rot before the enemy could return to prevent it. Colonel Wells
was equally successful; he destroyed several villages and returned to
camp without loss.
At this time General Winchester arrived at Fort Wayne and General
Harrison resigned the command of the detachment under General Payne
and Col. Wells, to him, in obedience to the arrangements of the war
department. Considerable discontent and murmuring was observable among
the troops when they were informed of the change, but on being
addressed by Gen. Harrison, they appeared better satisfied.
On the 4th October brigadier general Tupper received orders to proceed
to the rapids with the whole of the mounted force, in condition for
service; but in consequence of the _counter orders_ of General
Winchester, the movement was not executed. General Tupper made an
exposition of the causes which produced the failure of the expedition.
This exposition very clearly proved that both Winchester and Tupper
were incapable of command.
On the 25th November, the celebrated partizan chief, Logan,[2] died of
his wounds.--This loss was regretted by the whole army. He was a brave
and enterprising warrior, sincerely attached to the Americans, and
possessed a powerful influence over the Indians.
[2] He in company with Capt. Johney and Brighthorn, had been
sent by Gen. Winchester to make discoveries at the rapids.
They had not proceeded but a few miles when they were taken
prisoners by five Indians under Winnemac, and a son of Col.
Elliott. Logan told them they had come to join them: this
induced them to permit Logan and his associates to carry
their arms and to march before them. Logan determined to
rescue himself or die in the attempt; he communicated his
intentions to his comrades and when a suitable opportunity
offered, they turned upon their enemy and each one brought
his man to the ground; the remaining three fired upon
Logan's party and wounded Logan and Brighthorn. Logan altho'
mortally wounded exchanged a second shot with the enemy,
when he and Brighthorn jumped upon the horses of two of
those they had just slain and left Capt. Johney to cover the
retreat which he did in a gallant manner, after having
scalped Winnemac. Winnemac was the chief that commanded at
Tippecanoe. Young Elliot was among the slain--his body was
afterwards taken up by his father, and conveyed to Malden.
On the 8th November a detachment of 600 men, commanded by Colonel
Campbell, left Franklinton on an expedition against the Miami Indians,
living on the head waters of the Wabash. On the 17th of December, they
arrived at one of the Mississinway villages, surprized & killed five
warriors, and took thirty-seven prisoners. They burnt three other
villages three miles further down the river, and then returned to the
first town destroyed, and encamped. About an hour before the dawn of
day, they were attacked in the camp. The fire commenced on the right
line, commanded by Major Ball, who sustained and returned it till day
light, when the Indians were charged and dispersed with the loss of
thirty killed. Our loss was eight killed and twenty-five wounded--several
mortally. A great number of horses were killed, several officers were
wounded: lieutenant Waltz, of the Pennsylvania troop was shot through
the arm, but not satisfied, he again attempted to mount his horse, and
in making the effort was shot through the head.--The prisoners were
treated with humanity, even the warriors who ceased to resist, were
spared, which is not the usual custom in expeditions against the
Indians. The sufferings of the men from cold, hunger and fatigue, on
their retreat from Mississinway, were beyond measure. They were in the
centre of an Indian country. The terrible Tecumseh was known to be
within a few hours march. The sick and wounded were to be carried on
litters; their march was slow, tedious and circumspect. At night only
half of the men could sleep, while the other were on guard. They
suffered greatly from the inclemency of the weather; numbers were frost
bitten. Pleurisy and bad colds afflicted almost the whole corps. Why the
Indians suffered them to escape total destruction, is unaccountable.
Perhaps the death of their celebrated PROPHET, who is supposed to have
been killed in this affair, was the cause of their not harrassing our
men in their retreat.
The officers of Major Ball's squadron, who sustained the brunt of the
action and who were complimented by General Harrison, in a general
order, for their valor and good conduct, were Major Ball, Captains
Hopkins and Garrard of Kentucky; Captains Markle and M'Clelland, of
Pennsylvania.
On the 14th of December the left wing of the army moved from Fort
Winchester to the Rapids. At this time the Ohio troops were at Fort
M'Arthur--the Pennsylvanians at Mansfield and the Virginians at
Delaware.--General Harrison fixed his head quarters at Upper Sandusky.
The provisions and military stores, and the trains of artillery having
reached the different depots, the hopes of the nation, that victory
would soon crown the efforts of the north-western army, were cherished
in confidence.
On the 14th of January, Col. Lewis advanced towards the river Raisin.
On the 18th he found the enemy in force, and disposed to dispute the
possession of the place. He attacked them in the town; on the first
onset the savages raised their accustomed yell. But the noise was
drowned in the returning shouts of the assailants. They advanced
boldly to the charge, and drove them in all directions. On the first
fire sixteen of the Indians fell--about forty were killed. Col. Lewis'
party lost twelve killed, and fifty-two wounded.
On the 18th Gen. Winchester followed with a reinforcement, and
concentrated his troops, amounting to eight hundred men, at the
village of Frenchtown--six hundred of which were posted behind a
picket fence--two hundred which composed the right wing were encamped
in an open field entirely uncovered.
On the 22d they were attacked by a combined British force under
Tecumseh and Proctor. The attack commenced on the right wing at
beating of reveille. Our troops were immediately ready for the
reception of the enemy. The right wing sustained the shock for about
twenty minutes, when overpowered by numbers, they retreated over the
river and were met by a large body of Indians who had been stationed
in their rear. This party finding their retreat cut off, resolved to
sell their lives as dear as possible, and fought desperately--few of
these escaped. The left wing with Spartan valor, maintained their
ground within their pickets.
The enemy's regulars made three different charges upon them; they
advanced in platoons to charge the pickets, keeping up a brisk fire.
Our men within the pickets, with the most determined bravery and
presence of mind reserved their fire until the enemy advanced within
point blank shot. They then opened a cross fire upon them--their
pieces well levelled--and in this manner mowed down his ranks till he
retreated in confusion.
Gen. Winchester and Col. Lewis had been taken prisoners in an early
part of the battle, in attempting to rally the right wing. At 11
o'clock a flag arrived from General Winchester to Maj. Madison, who
commanded in the pickets, informing our men he had surrendered them
prisoners of war, and requested their compliance; whereupon a
capitulation took place, and they were immediately marched off for
Malden. The Americans lost nearly four hundred men in killed, wounded
and missing. Among the officers, Col. Allen and Captains Hickman,
Simpson, (a member of Congress) Mead, Edwards, Price and M'Cracken.
During the whole of the action a heavy canonade was kept up by six
pieces of artillery. The courage of the men was never more severely
tested. The party that retreated at the commencement of the battle,
were pursued, surrounded, and literally cut to pieces. Some succeeded
in getting three miles from the scene of action, but were overtaken
and massacred. The snow was crimsoned the whole distance with the
blood of the fugitives.
After the capitulation, the American commanding officer remonstrated
with General Proctor, on the necessity of protecting the wounded
prisoners from the fury of the savages. That officer pledged himself
to attend to it, but he _forgot to keep his word_: they were left
without the promised protection, and on the morning of the 23d,
horrible to relate, the _allies_ of a _christian king_, stripped,
scalped, tomahawked and burnt all of them who were unable to walk.[3]
[3] The fate of Capt. Hart was peculiarly distressing.--He
had received a flesh wound and particularly distinguished
himself by his undaunted bravery. After the capitulation,
Capt. Elliot, who had been a class mate with him at
Princetown college, waited on Capt. Hart, and unsolicited,
promised him his protection declaring that the next morning
he would have him taken to his own house at Malden, where he
should remain until his recovery.--But Elliot broke his
promise and left him to his fate! On the next day a band of
savages came into the house where he was confined, and tore
him from his bed. But he bargained with one of them and gave
him a considerable sum of money to have himself taken to
Malden. They set off, and after travelling as far as the
river Aux Sables, they were met by a fresh band of Indians,
who shot the Captain upon his horse, and tomahawked and
scalped him! Numbers were put to death after they had been
several days in custody. At Sandy Creek an Indian approached
a volunteer of the name of Blythe and proposed to exchange
his mocasins for Blythe's shoes--with this he readily
complied; after this they exchanged hats; the Indian then
raised his tomahawk and struck Blythe on the shoulder which
cut into the cavity of his body: Blythe then caught hold of
the tomahawk and attempted to resist but on one of his
fellow prisoners telling him that his fate was fixed, he
closed his eyes and received the savage blow that terminated
his existence. Hamilton deposed that when the prisoners were
marching from Raisin to Detroit, they came up to where one
of the prisoners was burning, the life just expiring, and an
Indian kicking the ashes off his back.
The dead were denied the rites of sepulture;[4] the living were
treated with the greatest indignity. The prisoners were generally
stripped of their clothing, rifled of their cash, and the swords of
the officers given to the savages. Men whose education, talents and
character ought to have entitled them to respect, had their feelings
grossly outraged.
[4] I was told by several of the inhabitants of Frenchtown
while at Detroit, that they had frequently seen the hogs and
dogs devouring the bodies of the Americans and that it was
not uncommon to see them running about with skulls, legs,
arms, and other parts of the human system in their mouths.
The advance of Gen. Winchester to the river Raisin, was not authorised
by the orders of Gen. Harrison; the motives of the Gen. were no doubt
good, but to his imprudence is attributed the failure of the campaign.
He was induced to make the movement in consequence of the earnest
solicitude of the inhabitants of that place, who were threatened with
a general massacre by the Indians.
As soon as General Harrison learnt the exposed situation of Gen.
Winchester's corps, he ordered a detachment from Gen. Perkins' brigade
under Col. Cotgreaves, to march with all possible expedition to his
relief--but so much time was spent in _preparation_, that it only
arrived in hearing distance at the commencement of the battle, and
then suddenly retraced its steps.
Why a commanding officer, situated as Gen. Winchester was within a few
hours march of Malden, and liable every moment to be surprized, should
suffer his men to be encamped in detached and exposed situations, in
the manner they were, is a question not yet explained. The night
before the battle a Frenchman arrived from Malden, and informed that
the enemy had commenced their march. This information which was made
known to Gen. Winchester, was disregarded. His quarters were three or
four hundred yards from Camp. He did not arrive at the scene of action
till the right wing had begun to give way.
I cannot forbear to notice in this place a circumstance that reflects
the greatest lustre on the military character of the Kentuckians. On
their march from Fort Defiance to the rapids, the horses were worn out
and nearly famished for want of forage. The men themselves were
destitute of many articles of the first necessity. Yet these
circumstances did not in the least damp their ardor. When the horses
were no longer able to draw, these gallant sons of Mars harnessed
themselves to the sleds, and in this manner, with cheerfulness and
alacrity, conveyed their baggage sixty miles through frost and
snow--thus, manifesting an intrepidity of character which rivals that
of Greece or Rome.
Yet these were men, whose homes, for the most part, were the seats of
elegance and wealth--but their spirits were not to be broken by
adversity. Notwithstanding they were compelled to travel on foot and
with scarcely a covering for their backs, in the dead of winter, from
Malden to Buffalo, and from thence to Kentucky, a distance of eight
hundred miles, still not a murmur escaped their lips! Their honest
hearts sprung forward with the elastic hope, that their wrongs would
be avenged and the day of retribution arrive.
After the defeat of Gen. Winchester, General Harrison retreated from
the rapids eighteen miles, and took a position at Portage river. It
being found impracticable to remove all the provisions a considerable
quantity was destroyed.
On the 30th Gen. Harrison dispatched Capt. Lamont, Doctor M'Keehan and
a Frenchman with a flag of truce to Malden. They encamped the first
night near the rapids and hoisted the white flag; but this was not
respected--the Indians fired upon them while asleep, killed Lamont,
wounded Dr. M'Keehan and took the Doctor and the Frenchman prisoners.
Governor Meigs having promptly ordered out two regiments of Ohio
militia to reinforce General Harrison; the army again advanced to the
rapids, and commenced building Fort Meigs. Gen. Crook's brigade in the
mean time were busily employed in fortifying at Upper Sandusky.
Gen. Harrison having learnt that a body of Indians were collected at
Presque Isle, near the mouth of the Miami, marched from his camp at
the rapids, on the 9th of February, at the head of a detachment of his
army, to attack them; The enemy fled--our troops pursued them almost
to the river Raisin, but finding it impossible to overtake them, the
troops returned to camp much exhausted with fatigue. Such was their
desire to come up with the foe, that they marched sixty miles in
twenty one hours.
On the 27th February, a detachment of one hundred and fifty men, under
Capt. Langham, left the Rapids for the purpose of destroying the Queen
Charlotte, near Malden--the ice was found too far decayed to
accomplish the object of the expedition.
On the 15th of April a desperate rencontre took place on the Miami, a
few miles below fort Meigs, between ten Frenchman, from the river
Raisin, and about an equal number of Indians, both parties were in
canoes, and they maintained the fight till the greater part on both
sides were either killed or wounded.
The army was now engaged incessantly in strengthening the posts of
Fort Meigs, Upper Sandusky, and Fort Stephenson. General Harrison left
the army for the purpose of consulting with Gov. Meigs, and for
expediting the march of the reinforcements. No event of moment
occurred during the remainder of the winter.
In March, workmen began to cut timber at Erie, for the purpose of
building two 20 gun brigs--the requisite number of ship-carpenters
arrived at that place.
The term of service of the greater part of the militia composing the
north-western army having expired, new levies from Ohio and Kentucky
were ordered on to supply their places. But these not arriving in
season, the Pennsylvania brigade generously volunteered their services
for another month, to defend Fort Meigs, which was menaced with an
attack. This conduct was the more honorable, as this corps had
undergone incredible hardships during the winter, in dragging the
artillery and stores from Sandusky to the Rapids.[5]
[5] A private in the Petersburgh volunteers draws the
following picture of a soldier's life: It describes the
march of his company at the time of Winchester's defeat. "On
the second day of our march a courier arrived from Gen.
Harrison, ordering the artillery to advance with all
possible speed; this was rendered totally impossible by the
snow which took place, it being a complete swamp nearly all
the way. On the evening of the same day news arrived that
Gen. Harrison had retreated to Portage river, 18 miles in
the rear of the encampment at the Rapids. As many men as
could be spared determined to proceed immediately to
reinforce him. It is unnecessary to state that we were among
the first who wished to advance. At 2 o'clock the next
morning, our tents were struck, and in half an hour we were
on the road. I will candidly confess, that on that day I
regretted being a soldier. On that day we marched thirty
miles under an incessant rain; and I am afraid you will
doubt my veracity when I tell you, that in eight miles of
the best of the road, it took us over the knees and often to
the middle. The Black Swamp, 4 miles from Portage river and
4 miles in the extent would have been considered impassable
by all but men determined to surmount every difficulty to
accomplish the object of their march. In this swamp you lose
sight of _terra firma_ altogether--the water was about six
inches deep on the ice, which was very rotten, often
breaking through to the depth of four or five feet.
"The same night we encamped on very wet ground but the
driest that could be found the rain still continuing. It was
with difficulty we could raise fires; we had no tents, our
clothes were wet, no axes, nothing to cook in, and very
little to eat. A brigade of pack horses being near us, we
procured from them some flour, killed a hog (there being
plenty of _them_ along the road;) our bread was baked
in the ashes and the pork we broiled on the coals--a sweeter
meal I never partook of. When we went to sleep it was on two
logs laid close to each other, to keep our bodies from the
ground. Good God! what a pliant being is man in adversity.
"The loftiest spirit that ever inhabited the human breast
would have been tamed amid the difficulties that surrounded
us.""
On the 20th of April, Gen. Harrison returned to Fort Meigs and began
to prepare for the approaching storm. Patrolling parties were
frequently sent out to discover the movements of the enemy, who had
been discovered on the margin of the lake.
On the 26th the advance of the enemy made its appearance on the
opposite shore, and after reconnoitering a few minutes withdrew.--On
the 27th they returned, but were soon made to retire by the balls from
the fort. Ever since the General had arrived in camp, the greatest
diligence was displayed by the officers and soldiers. Fortifications
of various description were carried on with unparallelled exertions.
Every moment of the Gen. was occupied in directing the works. He
addressed the men in a most masterly and eloquent manner, on the
situation in which the fortune of war had placed them, and of the
importance of every man's being vigilant and industrious at his post.
This address converted every man into a hero; it inspired them with a
zeal, courage and patriotism never surpassed.
On the 28th the enemy commenced a very brisk fire of small arms--in
the evening the Indians were conveyed over the river in boats and
surrounded the garrison in every direction. Several of Col. Ball's
dragoons volunteered to reconnoitre the enemy's camp, but before they
had got far from the fort they were fired on by the Indians and
compelled to return.
On the 29th the siege began in earnest, all communication with the
other posts was cut off. The firing was kept up the whole day. The
enemy had progressed so far in the construction of their batteries
during the night, that they afforded them sufficient protection to
work by day light. A man was this day mortally wounded as he was
standing near the General.
April 30--the besieged kept up a well directed fire against the
enemy's batteries and considerably impeded their progress. Boats
filled with men were seen to pass to the Fort Meigs' side of the
river; this induced the Gen. to believe that their intention was to
draw his attention to their batteries, and to surprise and storm the
camp in the rear. Orders were therefore given for one third of the men
to be constantly on guard, and the remaining two thirds to sleep with
their muskets in their arms, and to be constantly prepared, at a
moment's warning, to fly to their posts. These orders were strictly
obeyed, and every duty performed with cheerfulness. Notwithstanding
the incessant fire of the enemy, the men were obliged to go to the
river for water every night--the well not being finished. Several of
the men were this day wounded, and the General being continually
exposed, had several narrow escapes. During the night the enemy towed
up a gun boat near the fort and fired at point blank shot for some
time, but without effect. They retired from this position as soon as
it was light enough for our gunners to see her.
The grand traverse was now completed, as well as several small ones in
various directions. The fire from the garrison was begun with effect.
During the day (May 1st) the enemy fired 256 times from their gun
batteries. Their 24 pound shot passed through the pickets without
cutting them down. Our gunners silenced one of their pieces several
times. They did not fire so rapidly as the enemy, but with a better
aim--8 of the Americans were wounded this day--a bullet struck the
seat on which the General was setting, and a volunteer was at the same
time wounded as he stood directly opposite to him.
On the 2d of May both parties commenced firing very early with bombs
and balls, and continued it very briskly all day. Our troops had one
killed and ten wounded, besides several others slightly touched with
Indian bullets. The enemy this day fired 457 cannon shot.
The next day commenced with a very brisk and fierce firing of bombs
and cannon balls, and continued at intervals all day. They opened two
batteries upon the fort, which they established on this side of the
river within two hundred and fifty yards of the rear right angle of
the camp, one of which was a bomb battery. An Indian who had ascended
a tree, shot one of our men through the head, and six were killed by
the enemy's bombs. They fired five hundred and sixteen times during
the day, and forty-seven times during the night.
It rained very hard on the 4th which retarded the fire of the
besiegers. A new battery was discovered erecting on this side of the
river, in the same direction with the others, and traverses were
commenced to guard against them. Several were killed and wounded;
Lieut. Gwynne killed a British officer on this side the river with a
rifle. 233 shots were fired this day.
General Clay was now at Fort Winchester, with twelve thousand men, on
his way to relieve the garrison.
On the 5th the enemy kept up but a feeble fire but they killed three
men with bombs. An officer arrived with a detachment of Gen. Clay's
men, with the welcome news that the General was but a few miles up the
river, descending in boats. An officer was sent to him with directions
for him to land one half of his force on the opposite side of the
river, for the purpose of forcing the enemy's batteries and spiking
their cannon. Col. Dudley, who was charged with the execution of this
movement, performed it in fine style, but his men elated with their
success, continued to pursue the retreating enemy till they were
finally drawn into an ambush and overwhelmed by superior numbers; the
greater part of this detachment were killed or taken prisoners. Some
few effected their escape to the garrison. About forty of these
unfortunate men were tomahawked by the Indians, several hours after
their surrender. The killed on the field of battle were horribly
mutilated. Colonel Dudley was among the killed. He displayed in his
last moments the most heroic firmness, and actually killed one Indian
after he was mortally wounded.
The other moiety of Gen. Clay's force, if not less prudent, were more
fortunate; when they landed a little above the fort, they could easily
have made the fort without loss, but instead of doing this or securing
their sick and baggage, they marched directly into the woods in
pursuit of a few Indians that were purposely leading them to their
destruction. Gen. Harrison perceiving their folly, caused Colonel Ball
to sally out with the cavalry and protect their retreat to the fort.
He succeeded in bringing them into the fort; but in the mean while a
party of Indians had tomahawked their sick, left in the boats, and
plundered their baggage.
While Col. Dudley's party was engaged with the enemy on the left bank
of the river, several brilliant and successful charges were made on
the right. In these charges Colonel Miller, Maj. Alexander, Capt.
Croghan, Longhom, Bendford, and Neveing, were conspicuous. Our troops
conducted with the most determined bravery; all their batteries on
this side were carried, and many prisoners taken.
From the 6th to the ninth there was no firing. Flags of truce passed
and repassed between the two armies. An exchange of prisoners took
place. The Kentucky militia, taken at Dudley's defeat, were to be sent
to Harrison, in order to return home by that route. On the morning of
the 9th the enemy commenced their retreat down the river, after having
been before the place thirteen days, during which time he had fired at
the works, eighteen hundred shells and cannon balls besides keeping up
an almost continual discharge of small arms. The American loss during
the siege in the fort and in the different sorties on this side, was
seventy-two killed and one hundred and ninety-six wounded. The loss of
Col. Dudley's detachment was about two hundred killed and missing.
That of the enemy was about equal.
One reason why our troops did not sustain a greater loss in the fort
was, because the men had contrived a kind of bomb proof retreat all
along the ditch immediately behind the pickets. They would watch the
enemy's fire and knew when to squat into their hiding places. By this
means many valuable lives were saved.
Vast quantities of rain fell during the siege--the soil within the
pickets is clay, and the constant treading of the men and horses
caused the whole area of the fort to become a perfect bed of mortar,
half leg deep--the frequent bursting of shells caused it to fly in
every direction, covering officers and men with mud.
The army not being sufficiently strong for offensive operations, it
became necessary to wait for reinforcements, and for the completion of
the vessels of war building at Erie.
The head-quarters of the Gen. were transferred to Seneca town on the
Sandusky. Gen. Clay was charged with the defence of Fort Meig's.
Generals M'Arthur and Cass were actively employed in recruiting two
regiments of 12 month's regulars in the state of Ohio.
In June the General held a council with a number of Indian Chiefs, who
had hitherto professed neutral sentiments, to whom he made three
propositions;--To take up arms in behalf of the United States--To
remove within our settlements, and remain neutral--Or to go to the
enemy and seek his protection. After a short consultation among
themselves, they accepted the first, and prepared to accompany him in
the invasion of Canada.
The hostile Indians continued to make inroads into the settlement and
committed frequent murders. A party from Malden coasted down the lake
as far as Cold Creek, where they killed, scalped and made prisoners,
one man, three women and nine children.
An event took place, however, that had a salutary influence in
repressing the audacity of the Indians. As Col. Ball, with 22 of his
squadron were descending the Sandusky, the foremost of his party were
fired upon from a thicket, by a band of eighteen Indians, who had
placed themselves in ambush for the purpose of killing the mail
carrier. Col. Ball instantly charged upon them and drove them from
their hiding place. The ground was favorable for cavalry, and the
Indians finding neither mercy nor the possibility of escape, gave a
whoop and fought desperately till the whole were cut to pieces. Col.
Ball was at one time dismounted, opposed in personal contest to an
Indian of gigantic stature--it was a desperate and a doubtful
struggle, life was at stake, both exerted to the utmost--an officer
rode up and rescued the Colonel by shooting the Indian through the
head. After this terrible example, not an Indian ventured to cross the
Sandusky in quest of plunder and blood.
On the first of August Gen. Proctor made his appearance before Fort
Stephenson, twenty miles above the mouth of the river Sandusky. His
troops consisted of five hundred regulars and about seven hundred
Indians of the most ferocious kind. There were but one hundred and
thirty eight effective men in the garrison and the works covered one
acre of ground. Major George Croghan commanded the place. The pickets
were about ten feet high, surrounded by a ditch with a block-house at
each angle of the fort--one of which contained a 6 pounder--this was
the exact state of the post, at the time the enemy appeared. The first
movement made by the enemy, was to make such a disposition of his
forces, as to prevent the escape of the garrison, if they should be
disposed to attempt it. He then sent Col. Elliot with a flag to demand
the surrender of the fort. He was met by ensign Shipp. The British
officer observed, that Gen. Proctor had a number of cannon, a large
body of regular troops, and so many Indians, whom it was impossible
to control, and if the fort was taken, as it must be, the whole of
the garrison would be massacred. Shipp answered that it was the
determination of Maj. Croghan, his officers and men, to defend the
garrison or be buried in it, and that they might do their best.
Colonel Elliot addressed Mr. Shipp again--"You are a fine young man;
I pity your situation; for God's sake surrender, and prevent the
dreadful slaughter which must follow resistance." Shipp turned from
him with indignation, and was immediately taken hold of by an Indian,
who attempted to wrest his sword from him. Major Croghan observing
what passed, called to Shipp to come into the fort, which was
instantly obeyed, and the tragedy commenced. The firing began from the
gun-boats in the rear, and was kept up during the night. At an early
hour the next morning, three _sixes_, which had been planted during
the night within two hundred and fifty yards of the pickets, began
to play upon the fort, but with little effect. About 4 P.M. all the
enemy's guns were concentrated against the north-western angle of the
fort, for the purpose of making a breach. To counteract the effect of
their fire, Maj. C. caused that point to be strengthened by means of
bags of flour, sand and other materials, in such a manner that the
picketing sustained little or no injury. But the enemy supposing that
their fire had sufficiently shattered the pickets, advanced, to the
number of five hundred, to storm the place, at the same time making
two feints on different points. The column which advanced against the
north-western angle, were so completely enveloped in smoke, as not to
be discovered until it had approached within eighteen or twenty paces
of the lines, but the men being all at their post, and ready to
receive it, commenced so heavy and gallant a fire as to throw the
column into confusion, but being quickly rallied, Lieut. Colonel
Short, the leader of the column exclaimed, "come on my brave fellows,
we will give the dam'd yankee rascals no quarters," and immediately
leapt into the ditch followed by his troops: as soon as the ditch was
entirely filled by the assailants, major Croghan ordered the six
pounder which had been masked in the block-house, to be fired. It had
been loaded with a double charge of musket balls and slugs. This piece
completely raked the ditch from end to end. The first fire levelled
the one half in death--the second and third either killed or wounded
every one except eleven, who were covered by the dead bodies. At the
same time, the fire of the small arms was so incessant and destructive,
that it was in vain the British officers exerted themselves to lead on
the balance of the column; it retired in disorder under a shower of
shot, and sought safety in an adjoining wood. The loss of the enemy in
killed was about one hundred and fifty, besides a considerable number
of their ALLIES were killed. The Americans had but one killed, and
seven slightly wounded. Early in the morning of the 3d. the enemy
retreated down the river, after having abandoned considerable baggage.
[Illustration: DEFENCE OF FORT STEPHENSON.]
The garrison was composed of regulars--all Kentuckians, a finer
company of men is not to be found in the United States, perhaps not in
the world. They are as humane as courageous. This is proved by their
unceasing attention to the wounded enemy, after their discomfiture;
during the night, they kindly received into the fort, through the
fatal port-hole of the block-house, all those who were able to crawl
to it; to those who were unable to move they threw canteens filled
with water. They even parted with their clothes to alleviate the
sufferings of the wounded.
Gen. Harrison had ordered Major Croghan to destroy the stores and
abandon the fort, in case the enemy made their appearance. He dared
to disobey the order, and has thereby immortalized himself.
While Proctor and Dixon were investing fort Stephenson, Tecumseh, with
a band of 2000 warriors and some British troops, approached fort Meigs.
They hovered round the place for several days and then withdrew,
without doing any material injury to the garrison.
When the news of the attack on Fort Stephenson reached Gov. Meigs, he
made a spirited call to the patriotism of Ohio; such was its effect
that 15,000 men were immediately in motion to repel the invaders.
Fortunately their services were not required.
The tide of victory began now to set with a strong current in favor of
the American arms.--On the 10th of September, commodore Perry captured
the whole British force on Lake Erie. This victory removed the
principal barrier to the conquest of Malden and the recovery of
Detroit.
At the same time the general began to concentrate his forces at the
mouth of Portage river. The greatest activity was visible in camp; in
preparing for the descent on Canada--boats were collected--beef
jerked--the superfluous baggage secured in block houses and a
substantial log fence two miles long, extending from Portage river to
Sandusky bay, was built to secure the horses during the operations of
the army.
On the 17th Gov. Shelby with four thousand volunteers arrived at head
quarters. This formidable corps were all mounted; but it was deemed
best for them to act as infantry, and leave their horses on the
peninsula. On the 20th Gen. M'Arthur's brigade from Fort Meigs joined
the army after a very fatiguing march of three days down the lake
coast.
Col. Johnson's mounted regiment remained at Fort Meigs, but had orders
to approach Detroit by land and to advance _pari passu_ with the
commander in chief, who was to move in boats thro' the islands to
Malden, and of whose progress the colonel was to be daily informed by
a special express.
The British prisoners taken in the naval action of the 10th, were sent
to Chilicothe, guarded by a detachment from Col. Hill's regiment of
Pennsylvania detached militia. The different posts on the American
side of the lake were left in charge of the Ohio Militia. Fort Meigs,
which till now had covered eight acres of land, was reduced in its
dimensions to one acre. About five hundred Kentuckians were to remain
at Portage to guard the stores and horses, being upwards of five
thousand in number, which were left on the Peninsula during the
absence of the army.
Every thing being now ready, the embarkation of the troops commenced
at the dawn of day, on the 21st. For the want of a sufficient number
of boats, not more than one third of the number could embark at once.
There is a range of islands extending from the head of the Peninsula
to Malden. These islands render the navigation safe, and afford the
army convenient depot for baggage and stores, as well as halting
places.
Put-in-bay island, sixteen miles from Portage, was selected by the
General as the first point of rendezvous--the first stage in his
passage across the lake. The weather was favorable. As soon as the
first division of boats reached the island, men were immediately
detached to take back the boats for a fresh load. Such was the
eagerness of the men to accelerate the embarkation of the whole army,
that they, in most cases, anticipated this regulation by volunteering
their services to return with the boats. Every one courted fatigue.
The fleet under Com. Perry, was busily engaged in transporting the
baggage of the army. In the course of the 22d the whole army gained
the island, and encamped on the margin of the bay, which forms nearly
a semi-circle.
The Lawrence, and the six prize ships captured from the enemy, were at
anchor in the centre of the bay, and in full view. With what ineffable
delight did we contemplate this interesting spectacle! The curiosity
of the troops was amply indulged; every one was permitted to go on
board the prizes to view the effects of the battle. The men were
highly pleased with this indulgence of the General and the Commodore.
The scene was calculated to inflame their military ardor, which was
visible in every countenance.
The army was detained at Put-in-Bay during the 23d and 24th by
unfavorable winds. On the 24th, a soldier of the regular forces was
shot for desertion. He had deserted three times--had been twice before
condemned to suffer death, and as often pardoned; he met his fate with
stoical indifference, but it made a very sensible impression on the
troops. Two platoons fired on him at the distance of five paces, and
perforated his body like a sieve.[6]
[6] It is worthy of remark that but _two_ soldiers were shot
in the north-western army; and so unfrequent was desertion
that from the time I joined it, till its departure from Fort
George, not a solitary instance occurred; at least none come
to my knowledge, although I made frequent enquires as the
fact. I am not willing to attribute this extraordinary
fidelity to the public service, to the superior patriotism
of the people of the west or a nice sense of the force of
moral obligations. The cause is evident--the officers are
generally more attentive to their men, than those of the
northern army.
On the 25th the army again embarked partly in boats and partly on
board the fleet, to take a nearer position to the Canadian shore. The
flotilla arrived a little before sunset, at a small island called the
Eastern Sister, eighteen miles from Malden and seven from the coast.
This island does not contain more than three acres, and the men had
scarcely room to sit down.
On the 26th the wind blew fresh, it became necessary to haul up the
boats, to prevent their staving. The General and Commodore in the
Ariel, made a reconnoissance of the enemy's coast and approached
within a short distance of Malden. Capt. Johnney was dispatched to
apprize Col. Johnson of our progress. General Cass, Col. Ball and
Capt. M'Clelland were busy in arranging and numbering the boats. At
sunset the lake had risen several feet; indeed, such was the violence
of the surf that many entertained serious fears that the greatest part
of the island would be inundated before morning. However, the wind
subsided at twelve and relieved our apprehensions.
On the 27th at nine in the morning the army made its final embarkation.
The day was fine and a propitious breeze made our passage a most
pleasing pastime. It was a sublime and delightful spectacle to behold
16 ships of war and 100 boats filled with men, borne rapidly and
majestically to the long sought shores of the enemy. The recollection
of this day can never be effaced from my memory. There was something
truly grand and animating in the looks of the men. There was an air of
confidence in every countenance. The troops panted for an opportunity
to rival their naval brethren in feats of courage and skill; they
seemed to envy the good fortune of our brave tars. They were ignorant
of the flight of the enemy, and confidently expected a fight: indeed
the belief was current among the troops that the enemy were in great
force, for it was believed that Dixon's Indians as well as Tecumseh's
were at Malden.
We landed in perfect order of battle at 4 P.M. three miles below
Malden. The Kentucky volunteers formed the right wing. Ball's legion
and the friendly Indians the centre--the regulars on the left. The
troops were almost instantly in line and shortly commenced their
march, in eschelons, for Malden. The troops had been drilled to
marching in and out of boats and to forming on the beach. Every man
knew his place; and so well were they masters of this very necessary
piece of service, that a company would march into a boat, debark and
form on the beach in less than one minute, and that too without the
least confusion.[7]
[7] This proficiency is applicable only to the regulars and
twelve months volunteers. The militia officers did not at
tend to it.
As we approached Malden, instead of the red coats and the war whoop of
the Indians, a group of well dressed ladies advanced to meet us, and
to implore mercy and protection. They were met by the Governor Shelby,
who soon quieted their fears by assuring them that we came not to make
war on women and children, but to protect them.
The army entered Malden by several parallel streets and we marched
through the town to the thunder of "Yankee Doodle."
The ruins of the fort and the naval buildings were still smoking. All
the loyal inhabitants followed the British army in its retreat. The
fortifications of Malden must have cost the British government a vast
sum. The fort is surrounded by a deep ditch and two rows of heavy
pickets: the walls are high, and the adjacent country as level as a
lake. What cannon and small arms they were unable to carry away, were
sunk in the river.
The town may contain 150 houses, mostly framed--a part are constructed
of hewn logs; its appearance is worthy of its character, as dark and
as gloomy as Erubus. The inhabitants are composed of renegadoes,
Scotch, Irish and Canadian French. Very few men were to be found and
those invariably French. Perhaps it would be unjust to attempt the
portrait of the character of the inhabitants, where so few remained at
home. I will then only mention one FACT. A well known horrid traffic,
has so completely blunted the feelings of humanity, that the
exhibition of _scalps_ in the streets, in the most terrific forms, by
the Indians, produces no emotion of horror even in the female bosom!
The spectacle has become so familiar to the eye, that it has lost the
interest of curiosity--and is beheld with as much indifference as we
view the peltry of a furman.
Opposite the place lies the island of Bois blanc, on the lower end of
which was a heavy battery which defended the entrance to the harbor.
The enemy in their haste had left an 18 pounder in this battery.
Perhaps there is not a place in America that possesses so great
convenience for ship building, as Malden. The descent of the shore is
in proper angle for launching: besides the water is deep and the
timber can be floated to the spot in any quantity and at a short
distance, except pine which is found on the Thames, on the St. Clair
river and on the shores of the lakes. They had collected a
considerable quantity of timber, which they attempted to burn, but
without success.
The country is settled to the distance of twenty miles below Malden.
Col. Elliott's house stands on the bank of the river, half a mile
below the village--he has an extensive orchard and a park, his house
was deserted. We found excellent peaches, of which we made free use,
without inquiring the price.
Three miles above the fort is an Indian village which we found
deserted, and so suddenly that many essential articles of Indian
furniture such as brass kettles, were left in the houses. Here we
procured a plentiful supply of green corn, potatoes, &c. This village
was not burnt.
In the evening after our arrival at Malden, Col. Ball dispatched an
officer and twenty men to prevent the enemy's destroying the bridge
across the Aux Cannards. The enemy were found on the bridge, having
just set fire to it. Our party fired on them--they dispersed and the
bridge was saved.
On the 28th we passed the Aux Cannards and encamped two miles beyond
the river, in a neat French settlement. A small party of British horse
shewed themselves at the bridge and then scampered off.
The next day we reached Sandwich at two o'clock in the afternoon. At
the same time the fleet came up the river to Detroit. The Gen. made
dispositions for passing the river. Governor Shelby's corps remained
at Sandwich, while Ball's legion and the brigades of Generals M'Arthur
and Cass passed over to Detroit.
The Indians appeared in groups, on the bank of the river below
Detroit; a few shots from the gunboats caused them to disperse.
The Indians did not leave Detroit till the boats containing the troops
were halfway across the river. Just before we landed on the American
side, the inhabitants hoisted the United States' flag amid the
acclamations of thousands. We were received by the inhabitants with
demonstrations of unfeigned joy. They had suffered all that civilized
and savage tyranny could inflict, save death. The Indians had lived at
free quarters for several months. It was natural for them to hail us
as deliverers.
The enemy had set fire to the fort, but the walls and picketing
remained entire. The public store, a long brick building near the
wharf was injured only in the roof which our men soon repaired. In the
course of the night there was an alarm in camp, the fires were
extinguished, and the men ordered to lie on their arms.
On the 30th Col. Johnson's regiment arrived from Fort Meigs, they
immediately commenced the passage of the river in boats.--Gen.
M'Arthur with the mass of the regular troops was charged with the
defence of Detroit. It was the general opinion of the inhabitants that
there were 1000 Indian warriors, under Marpot and Split Log, lurking
in the woods between the river Rouge and Huron of Lake St. Clair. The
friendly Indians had taken several prisoners in the immediate vicinity
of Detroit.
On the 2d of October every arrangement was completed for pursuing the
retreating British army up the Thames. The force selected for this
service were the mounted regiment of Col. Johnson, three companies of
Col. Ball's legion and the principal part of Governor Shelby's
volunteers.
From Sandwich to the Moravian Towns is eighty four miles. We found the
roads for the most part good. The country is perfectly level. The
advance of the troops was rapid--so much so that we reached the river
Riscum, one hundred and twenty-five miles from Sandwich, in the
evening. The enemy had neglected to destroy the bridge. Early in the
morning of the 3d, the general proceeded with Johnson's regiment, to
prevent the destruction of the bridges over the different streams that
fall into Lake St. Clair and the Thames. These streams are deep and
muddy, and are unfordable for a considerable distance into the
country. A lieutenant of dragoons and thirteen privates, who had been
sent back by Gen. Proctor to destroy the bridges, were made prisoners
near the Thames; from them the general learnt that the enemy had no
certain information of our advance.
The baggage of the army was brought from Detroit in boats, protected
by a part of commodore Perry's squadron. In the evening the army
arrived at Drake's farm, eight miles from the mouth of the Thames and
encamped. This river is a fine deep stream, navigable for vessels of
considerable burthen, after the bar at its mouth, over which there is
generally seven feet water. The gunboats could ascend as far as
Dalson's below which the country is one continued prairie, and at once
favorable for cavalry movements and for the co-operation of the
gunboats. Above Dalson's, the aspect of the country changes; the
river, though still deep, is not more than seventy yards wide, and the
banks high and woody.
At Chatham, four miles from Dalson's and sixteen from lake St. Clair,
is a small deep creek, where we found the bridge taken up, and the
enemy disposed to dispute our passage, and upon the arrival of the
advanced guard, commenced a heavy fire from the opposite bank as well
as a flank fire from the right bank of the river. The army halted and
formed in order of battle. The bridge was repaired under the cover of
a fire from two six pounders. The Indians did not relish the fire of
our cannon, and retired. Col. Johnson being on the right, had seized
the remains of a bridge at M'Gregor's mills, under a heavy fire from
the Indians. He lost on this occasion, two killed and four hundred
wounded.--The enemy set fire to a house near the bridge containing a
considerable quantity of muskets; the flames were extinguished and the
arms saved. At the first farm above the bridge we found one of the
enemy's vessels on fire, loaded with arms and ordnance stores. Four
miles higher up the army took a position for the night--here we found
two other vessels and a large distillery filled with stores to an
immense amount, in flames; Two 24 pounders, with their carriages were
taken, and a large quantity of ball and shells of various sizes.
The army was put in motion early on the morning of the 5th. The
General, accompanied by Col. Johnson--Gov. Shelby followed with the
infantry. This morning we captured two gun-boats and several batteaux
loaded with provisions and ammunition. At nine we had reached Arnold's
mills where there is a fording place, and the only one for a
considerable distance.--Here the army crossed to the right bank--the
mounted regiment fording and the infantry in the captured boats. The
passage, though retarded for want of a sufficient number of boats, was
completed by twelve.
Eight miles above the ford, we passed the ground where the British had
encamped the night before. The General directed the advance of Col.
Johnson's regiment to accelerate their march for the purpose of
ascertaining the distance of the enemy. The officer commanding it,
shortly after, sent word back that his progress was stopped by the
enemy, who were formed across our line of march.
The army was now within three miles of the Moravian town, and within
one mile of the enemy. The road passes through a beech forest without
any clearing, and for the first two miles near to the bank of the
river. At the distance of fifty rods from the river is a swamp running
parallel to it, and extending all the way to the Indian village. The
intermediate ground is dry--the surface level; the trees are lofty and
thick with very little underwood to impede the progress of man or
horse, if we except that part which borders on the swamp.
Across this narrow strip of land, the British force was drawn up in a
line of battle, to prevent our advance. Their left resting on the
river, was defended by four pieces of cannon--near the centre were two
other pieces. Near the swamp the British line was covered by a large
Indian force, who also lined the margin of the swamp to a considerable
distance. The British troops amounted to 600--the Indians probably to
twelve hundred.
As it was not practicable to turn the enemy in flank, it became
necessary to attack them in front. General Harrison did not long
hesitate in his choice of the mode of attack. It was as novel as it
was successful.
The troops at his disposal might amount to three thousand men; yet
from the peculiar nature of the ground, not the half of this force
could advantageously engage the enemy.
About five hundred regulars, under Colonel Paul, occupied the narrow
space between the road and river; they were ordered to advance and
amuse the enemy; and, if an opportunity offered, to seize the cannon
of the enemy. A small party of friendly Indians were directed to move
under the bank. Col. Johnson's regiment was drawn up in close column,
with its right at a few yards distant from the road with orders to
charge at full speed as soon as the enemy delivered his fire. The
Kentucky volunteers, under Major-Gen. Henny, were formed in the rear
of the mounted regiment, in three lines, extending from the road to
the swamp. Gen. Desha's division covered the left of Johnson's
regiment. Gov. Shelby was at the _crotchet_ formed by the front line
and Gen. Desha's division. This was an important point. Gen. Cass and
Commodore Perry, volunteered as aids to Gen. Harrison, who placed
himself at the head of the front line of infantry, to direct the
movements of the cavalry, and to give them the necessary support. Such
was the order of battle.
The army moved in this order till the mounted men received the fire of
the enemy, at the distance of two hundred yards. The charge was beat,
in an instant one thousand horse were in motion at full speed--the
right led on by lieut. Col. James Johnson broke through the British
lines and formed in their rear, the enemy's pieces were unloaded--their
bayonets were not fixed--they surrendered at discretion--the whole was
the work of a minute. In breaking through their ranks our men killed
twelve and wounded 37 of the British regulars. The shock was
unexpected. They were not prepared to resist it, some were trampled
under the feet of our horses; others were cut down by the soldiers;
very few were shot by our men, for our fire was not general. Had the
enemy shown the least symptoms of resistance, after we broke through
their lines, the greater part would have been destroyed, but they were
as passive as sheep. Never was terror more strongly depicted on the
countenances of men. Even the officers were seen with uplifted hands,
exclaiming "quarter!" There is no doubt, that they expected to be
massacred, believing that the Kentuckians would retaliate the bloody
scenes of Raisin and Miami; but nothing was farther from their
intentions, except it should be on the persons of Proctor and
Elliott--these, neither the authority of Harrison nor of Shelby could
have saved, if they had been found in battle.
On the left the contest was more serious. Col. Johnson, who commanded
on that flank of his regiment received a terrible fire from the
Indians, was kept up for some time.--The Col. most gallantly led the
head of his column into the hottest of the enemy's fire, and was
personally opposed to Tecumseh.--At this point a condensed mass of
savages had collected. Yet regardless of danger, he rushed into the
midst of them, so thick were the Indians at this moment that several
might have reached him with their rifles. He rode a white horse and
was known to be an officer of rank; a shower of balls was discharged
at him--some took effect--his horse was shot under him--his clothes,
his saddle, his person were pierced with bullets. At the moment his
horse fell, Tecumseh rushed towards him with an uplifted tomahawk, to
give the fatal stroke, but his presence of mind did not forsake him in
this perilous predicament--he drew a pistol from his holster and laid
his daring opponent dead at his feet. He was unable to do more, the
loss of blood deprived him of strength to stand. Fortunately at the
moment of Tecumseh's fall the enemy gave way, which secured him from
the reach of their tomahawks; he was wounded in five places; he
received three shots in the right thigh and two in the left arm. Six
Americans and twenty-two Indians fell within twenty yards of the spot
where Tecumseh was killed and the trails of blood almost covered the
ground.
The Indians continued a brisk fire from the margin of the swamp and
made some impression on a line of Kentucky volunteers, but Gov. Shelby
brought up a regiment to its support--the fire soon became too warm
for the enemy. A part of Johnson's men having gained the rear of a
part of the Indian line the rout became general. A small part of the
Indians attempted to gain the village by running up the narrow strip
of dry land; they were soon overtaken and cut down. The Indians fought
bravely and sustained a severe loss in killed and wounded. The death
of Tecumseh was an irreparable loss.
The American army had fifteen killed and thirty wounded. Among the
slain was Colonel Whitley, of the Kentucky volunteers, a man of
seventy years of age, and a soldier of the revolution. He was in easy
circumstances at home, and possessed an excellent character.
Among the trophies of the day were six brass field pieces, which had
been surrendered by Hull--I read on two of them this pleasing motto:
"Surrendered by Burgoyne at Saratoga."
The day after the battle a part of the army took possession of the
Moravian town, where we found most kinds of vegetables in
abundance--these were acceptable to men who had for several days
subsisted on fresh beef, without bread or salt. We found plenty of
green corn; the fields were extensive and our horses had an excellent
range.
The town was deserted; so panic struck were some of the women in their
flight, that they are said to have thrown their children into the
Thames, to prevent their being butchered by the Americans!
This village is situated on the right bank of the Thames, about forty
miles from its entrance into lake St. Clair. The town was built by
emigrants from Muskingum, and contained at the time of the battle
nearly 100 houses, mostly well built. The Rev. John Scoll, from
Bethlehem, (Penn.) was established here as a missionary. Many of the
inhabitants speak English--there was a school house and a chapel. The
gardens were luxuriant and cultivated with taste.
The town was destroyed as well as the cornfields in its vicinity, by
the troops previous to their leaving it. Among other reasons assigned
to justify the measure, it was alleged that these Indians had been
among the foremost in massacring our men at the river Raisin, and that
the town, if it was spared, would afford a convenient shelter for the
British allies during the winter, and from which they could easily
pass into the Michigan territory to rob and murder the inhabitants.
I have yet to learn, that it is either good policy or justice, for the
American troops, in every instance, to burn the Indian towns that fall
into their power. Are the Indians to be reclaimed by fire?
General Proctor abandoned his army at the very moment Johnson's
regiment beat the charge. About forty dragoons accompanied him as a
guard. In twenty-four hours he was sixty-five miles from the Moravian
town. A few of the mounted men pursued him, and at one time were
within one hundred yards of him, but they were too weak to attack his
guard. His carriage and papers were taken.
Three waggons loaded with specie escaped, but might have been
overtaken, if proper measures had been taken to pursue the fugitives.
A depot of three hundred barrels of flour was within a day's march of
the Moravian town.
The army returned to Detroit. Capt. Elliot of the Niagara, volunteered
his services to command a naval expedition against Michilimackinac and
Fort St. Joseph; but the weather proving unfavorable for a number of
days the season became too far advanced to risk the squadron on lake
Huron, till spring.
While Gen. Harrison was pursuing Proctor up the Thames, the Ottawas,
Chippewas, Potawattimies, Miamies and Kickapoos, proposed to Gen.
M'Arthur a suspension of hostilities, and agreed to "take hold of the
same tomahawk with the Americans, and to strike all who are or may be
enemies of the United States, whether British or Indians." They
brought in their women and children and offered them as hostages for
their good behavior.
Lieut. Le Breton arrived at Detroit on the 15th, bearing a flag and a
letter from Gen. Proctor to Gen. Harrison. This letter requested
humane treatment to the prisoners, and a restoration of certain
property and papers taken on the 5th. As the letter was addressed to
the General "at Moravian towns," he saw no reason for Le Breton's
journey to Detroit, and ordered him to join Gen. Proctor by the way of
Buffalo and Fort George.
After the return of the commander in chief to Detroit, Walk-in-the-water,
who had been in the battle of the Thames, came in to implore peace.
When he crossed from Sandwich, the white flag which he bore in his hand
had attracted a great crowd to the wharf, all anxious to get a near
view of this distinguished chief. I was struck with admiration at the
firmness and apparent nonchalance with which he ascended the bank and
passed through the ranks of the Kentucky volunteers, whom he had so
gallantly opposed in battle but a few days before. I never saw more
real dignity of carriage, or a more striking firmness of countenance.
Yet his situation was calculated to depress his spirits and produce
humility. His town was in the power of the Americans--the British were
all taken; the Indians had just suffered a signal defeat--almost all
other chiefs had submitted--he was without the means of living or
resistance; still his manner was that of a conqueror.
Gov. Shelby's corps and twelve month's volunteers, were all honorably
discharged. Travelling became safe, and business at Detroit began to
resume its wonted course, but the _price current_ of the territory was
exorbitant for every thing to eat, drink or wear. Whiskey sold at 4
dolls. a gallon, beef at 24 cents a pound, cheese at 66 do,--butter 75
do--potatoes two dollars a bushel. The army was well supplied with
rations, as were also about three hundred of the inhabitants of
Michigan, and about two thousand Indians, men, women, and children,
who had no other means of subsistence. Adventurers soon came on with a
sufficient supply of dry goods.
On the 23d of October, Gen. Harrison, with all his disposable regular
troops, embarked on board the fleet and sailed for Buffalo, in
obedience to orders from the secretary of war. Previous to his
departure, he appointed Gen. Cass provisional Governor of the Michigan
territory--the civil ordinances as they stood at Hull's surrender were
proclaimed in force. Gen. Cass was left with about one thousand men,
not more than seven hundred of whom were effective.--The men were
industriously employed in preparing winter quarters at the fort. The
Scorpion and Ohio schooners were engaged in transporting supplies from
Erie and Cleveland, for the troops during winter. Troops were
stationed at Malden and Sandwich.--The campaign closed.
_FINIS._