Ohio History Journal

GENERAL HARMAR'S EXPEDITION.

 

 

 

BY BASIL MEEK, FREMONT, OHIO.

JOSIAH HARMAR was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in

1753, and there died in 1813. He was a captain in the First

Pennsylvania Regiment, Continental Army, Lieutenant Colonel

of the same and served till the close of the Revolutionary War.

He was in Washington's army from 1778 to 1780. In 1783 he

was made Brevet Colonel, First U. S. Regiment. In 1787 he

was breveted Brigadier General, by Congress, and assigned to

duty in northwest. He became General-in-Chief of the army,

1789-1792, resigning the latter year. General Harmar was Adju-

tant General of Pennsylvania, 1793-1799, and was active in rais-

ing and equipping soldiers of the state for Wayne's campaign

against the Indians in the Northwest.

Spain, France and England, as we know, contended for

dominion over the country of the Northwest, basing their re-

spective claims upon discovery and settlement, but as it would

seem the principal ground of contention was more that of occu-

pation than discovery. According to the principle maintained

by civilized nations regarding the territorial acquisition by dis-

covery, it was not sufficient as among themselves, to discover

alone, but such discovery must be followed by actual settlement

or occupancy. Discovery gave only the right initiate; occupancy

must follow to consummate it.

But there was another power asserting rights to sovereignty,

whose claim could not be entirely ignored by the contending

powers mentioned. This consisted of the native inhabitants, the

North American Indians, whose rights, if occupancy governed,

were paramount to all others. They considered themselves to

be the rightful owners of the land from which they had sprung.

According to their traditions and belief, they were, so to speak,

indigenes, their first ancestors having, as a noted Indian chief

once said; "Come up out of the ground." They knew nothing

(74)

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General Harmar's Expedition.           75

 

of the laws of civilized nations, and never had been permitted

to have their "day in court," where their claims could have been,

or were, represented for them, and their rights determined after

a fair hearing. That they should feel not disposed to be dis-

possessed of what they sincerely believed to be their just pos-

sessions without their consent is not to be wondered at.

But according to the rule maintained by civilized nations,

occupancy by savage people, gave only a qualified right as against

discovery by civilized powers; complete sovereignty, with the

right of disposition, was denied them; and their rights acquired

by occupancy might be superseded or destroyed by conquest or

forced purchase.

Discovery by the civilized was superior to occupancy by the

savage upon the ground, it has been claimed, that the Creator

could never have designed that a comparatively few savages

should monopolize for hunting grounds an extent of territory

capable of supporting many millions of civilized people.

Our American doctrine maintained that the Indians had no

complete fee in the lands occupied by them, but only a qualified

vested right, by occupancy, which however could only be invaded

in just wars or extinguished by treaty, but like the other civilized

powers, our government denied to the savages unrestricted do-

minion; and in its dealings and treaties with them, these prin-

ciples were applied, and no complete title to lands was recog-

nized in the savages, unless by express grant from the govern-

ment.

The treaty of Paris in 1783, following the Revolutionary

war, did not bring peace with the Indian tribes of the North-

west; and though outwardly peace existed with all the civilized

nations, the war continued with the Indians. Their claims and

rights, whatsoever they were, had not been recognized or in any

way settled, in the treaty with England and the other powers

of 1783. The British, meanwhile, kept on good terms with the

Indians, and intrigued with them, and encouraged them in these

hostilities against the Americans, which continued with savage

fury. Murderous incursions by the Miamis and confederate

tribes from the Maumee and western country, and by the Wyan-

dots and their immediate allies from the Sandusky valley, were

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frequent, attended with characteristic savage cruelties. It was

believed that British officers at Detroit furnished the Indians

with arms and supplies on occasion of the Harmar expedition,

of which we are writing.

The principal western tribes claimed that they had not been

parties to the treaty of Fort McIntosh in 1785, and were not

bound by its provisions, respecting boundary lines; that they

were rightfully, as original occupants of the soil, entitled to the

unrestricted dominion over the Northwest, and that no white set-

tlements should be made therein, and any already made should

be destroyed. During the years 1787, 1788 and up to 1789,

ravages on the frontiers by the hostile tribes were frequent.

The Federal authorities in the meantime, were vainly endeavoring

to negotiate with these Indians, and come to some peaceable

terms, by which settlers might be suffered to remain unmolested

in their homes, and that other settlements might be made, within

the disputed territory. The ultimatum of the Indians was un-

restricted title to the Ohio River line.

Finally at Fort Harmar, January 9th, 1789, by the treaty

with all the nations, the treaty of Fort McIntosh, as to

boundaries, was reaffirmed with the concession to the Indians,

"that the individuals of said nations shall be at liberty to hunt

within the limits ceded to the United States, without hindrance

or molestation, so long as they demean themselves peaceably or

offer no injury or annoyance to any of the subjects or citizens

of the United States." It will be remembered that the Six Na-

tions had ceded all their claims to these lands to the United

States in 1784, by the treaty at Fort Stanwix.

The Shawnees had by treaty made at the mouth of the

Great Miami, at Fort Finney, January 3rd, 1786, ceded to the

United States all territory acquired by it, by treaty with Great

Britain, and placed themselves under the jurisdiction and pro-

tection of the United States.

The peace following the treaty at Fort Harmar was of very

short duration. Hostilities by the western Indians was renewed

within a few months thereafter, and by the summer of 1790 the

raids of the Indians had become unbearable.

Fresh robberies and murders were committed every day

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General Harmar's Expedition.           77

 

in Kentucky or along the Wabash and Ohio. Writing to the

Secretary of War, a prominent Kentuckian, well knowing all the

facts, estimated that during the seven years which had elapsed

since the close of the Revolutionary war, the Indians had slain

fifteen hundred in Kentucky itself, or on the immigrant routes

leading thither, and had stolen twenty thousand horses, besides

destroying immense quantities of other property. In the mean-

time a number of ineffectual attempts to conduct expeditions into

the enemy's country were made.

The Federal generals were also urgent in asserting the folly

of carrying on a merely defensive war against such foes. All

the efforts of the Federal authorities to make treaties of peace

with the Indians which they would keep had failed. The In-

dians themselves had renewed hostilities after making treaties

as we have seen and the different tribes had one by one joined

in the war, behaving with a treachery only equalled by their

ferocity. With great reluctance the National government con-

cluded that an effort to chastise the hostile savages could no

longer be delayed, and those on the Maumee and on the Wabash,

whose guilt had been peculiarly heinous, were singled out as

the objects of attack.

On June 7, 1790, General Knox, Secretary of War, in a

letter to General Harmar, directed him to consult with Gov-

ernor St. Clair upon the means of effectually extirpating these

bands of murderers, and outlining plans of an expedition for

that purpose, but leaving the details of the expedition to the

Governor and to General Harmar.

On July 15th, 1790, at Fort Washington, the present site

of Cincinnati, where he had arrived from Kaskaskia, Governor

St. Clair, in consultation with General Harmar, determined to

send a strong expedition against the Indians, located in their

towns above the headquarters of the Wabash; and having been,

by General Washington, President of the United States, vested

with authority to call for one thousand militia from Virginia,

and five hundred from Pennsylvania, he accordingly addressed

circular letters to several of the County Lieutenants of the

western counties of those states. Virginia, of which Kentucky

then formed a part, was called upon to furnish the following

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number of men, to rendezvous at Fort Steuben, on the 12th of

September: Nelson County, 125, Lincoln, 125, and Jefferson,

50, total 300. To rendezvous at Fort Washington, September

15th, Madison County, 125, Fayette County, 200, Bourbon, 125,

Woodford, 85, and Mason, 40, total 700.

Pennsylvania was requested to furnish the following num-

ber to assemble at McMahen's Creek, four miles below Wheel-

ing, September 3rd: Washington County, 220, Fayette, 210,

West Moreland, 110, Allegheny, 60, total 500.

The regular United States troops in the west, were esti-

mated by General Harmar at four hundred effective men. With

these the militia were to act in concert. The manner of em-

ploying the whole force was arranged as follows: Three hun-

dred of the Virginia militia were ordered to rendezvous at

Fort Steuben, and with the garrison of the fort, to march to

Vincennes and join Major Hamptramck, who had orders to

call for aid from the militia of Vincennes, and to move up the

Wabash and attack any of the Indian villages on that river, to

which his force might be equal. The remaining twelve hundred

of the militia were ordered to assemble at Fort Washington,

and to join the regular troops at that post under the command

of General Harmar.

The militia from the counties of the Kentucky district, in

Virginia, began to assemble at the mouth of the Licking river,

about the middle of September. They were poorly equipped;

their arms generally bad and unfit for service, and the men

were almost destitute of camp kettles and axes. General Har-

mar, however, in the midst of many difficulties, began to organize

them. In the course of two or three days they were formed into

three battalions, under Majors Hall, McMullen and Ray, with

Lieutenant Colonel Trotter at their head. The Pennsylvania

militia arrived at Fort Washington about the 24th of September.

They were badly equipped, and among them many substitutes of

old infirm men, and young boys. They were formed into one

battalion with Major Paul, under Lieutenant Colonel Truby;

and four battalions of militia were placed under the command

of Colonel John Hardin, subject to the command of General

Harmar. The regular troops were formed into two small bat-

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General Harmar's Expedition.         79

 

talions under Major Pleasgrave Wyllys and Major John Doughty.

The company of artillery which had three pieces of ordnance

was commanded by Captain William Ferguson. A small bat-

talion of light troops or mounted militia was placed under the

command of Major James Fontaine. The whole of General

Harmar's command may be stated as follows:

Three battalions, Virginia Militia, one battalion Pennsyl-

vania militia, and one battalion light troops mounted, in all of

the militia, 1133; and 320 regulars in two battalions, making the

total number of his troops 1453 men.

On September 26th, the militia, under the command of

Colonel Hardin, moved from Fort Washington, and advanced

into the country, in order to find for the cattle and to open a

road for the artillery. The regular troops under General Har-

mar, marched on the 30th of September, and joined the militia

on the 3rd of October, when the order of march was arranged

in the manner shown on page 80 herein.

The daily movements of the army were recorded in a manu-

script journal, which was kept by Captain John Armstrong of

the regulars, which is here given as follows:

"September 30th, 1790, the army moved from Fort Wash-

ington at half past ten o'clock, A. M., and marched about seven

miles N. E. Course. Encamped on a branch of Mill Creek.

"October 1st. Took up the line of march at half past eight

o'clock. At four o'clock halted for the evening, having marched

about eight miles; general course a little to the westward of

north.

"2nd.  Moved forty-five minutes after seven o'clock.

Marched about ten miles, a northwest course. The first five

miles were over a dry ridge to a lick; then five miles through

a low swampy country, to a branch of the waters of the Little

Miami, where we halted one hour; and forty-five minutes after

one o'clock moved on for five miles, and encamped on a muddy

creek, a branch of the Little Miami, one mile from Colonel

Hardin's command.

"3rd. The army moved at eight o'clock; passed Colonel

Hardin's camp and halted at Turtle Creek, about ten yards

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80        Ohio Archi. and Hist. Society Publications.

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General Harmar's Expedition.           81

 

wide, where we were joined by Colonel Hardin's command.

Here the line of march was formed.-Two miles.

"₄th. The army moved at half past nine o'clock  *  * *   *,

and at three o'clock crossed the Little Miami, about forty yards

wide; moved up it one mile, a north course to a branch called

Sugar Creek. Encamped. -Nine miles.

"5th. The army moved from Sugar Creek forty-five minutes

after nine o'clock. Marched through a level county a N. E.

course up the Little Miami, having it in view. * *  * Halted

at five o'clock on Glade Creek, a very lively clear stream. -

Ten miles.

"6th. The army moved ten minutes after nine o'clock. The

first five miles the country was brushy and somewhat broken;

reached Chillicothe, an old Indian village; recrossed the Little

Miami; encamped at four o'clock on a branch. - Nine miles, a

northeast course.

"7th. The army moved at ten o'clock; the country brushy

for miles, and a little broken until we came to the waters of the

Great Miami. Passed through several low prairies and crossed

the Pickaway fork of Mad River, which is a clear lively stream

about forty-five yards wide; encamped on a small branch one

mile from the former; our course, the first four miles, north,

then northwest.- Nine miles.

"8th. The army moved at half past nine o'clock. Passed

over rich land, in some places a little broken. Passed several

ponds and through one small prairie. A northwest course.-

Seven miles.

"9th. The army moved at half past nine o'clock. N. W.

course. Passed through a level rich country, well watered,

course N. W. Halted half past four o'clock, two miles south

of the Great Miami. -Ten miles.

"10th.  The army moved forty-five minutes after nine

o'clock, crossed the Great Miami. At the crossing there is a

handsome prairie on the S. E. side; the river about forty yards

wide: * *  * * halted on a large branch of the Great Miami

at half past three o'clock; the general course N. W. * * *

-Ten miles.

Vol. XX-6.

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82       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

"11th. The army moved at half past nine o'clock; marched

a northwest course seven miles, to a branch where French traders

had a number of trading houses; thence a north course four

miles, to a small branch and encamped at five o'clock; *  * *

- Eleven miles.

"12th. The army moved at half past nine o'clock. Our

course a little to the W. of N. W. Crossed a stream at seven

miles and a half, running to the N. E., on which there are

several old camps, much deadened timber, which continues to

the river Auglaize, about a mile. Here has been a considerable

village. Some houses still standing. This stream is a branch

of the Omi (Maumee) River, and is about twenty yards wide.

From this village to our encampment our course was a little to

the N. of W. Rich land. - Fourteen miles.

"13th. The army moved at ten o'clock. Just before they

marched, a prisoner was brought in, and Mr. Morgan from Fort

Washington joined us. We marched to the W. of N. W. four

miles, to a small stream, through low swampy land; thence a

course a little to the N. of W., passing through several small

prairies and open woods to an Indian village, on a pretty stream.

Here we were joined by a detachment from Fort Washington

with ammunition. - Ten miles.

"14th. At half past ten in the morning, Colonel Hardin

was detached for the Miami village, with one company of reg-

ulars and six hundred militia; and the army took up its line

of march at eleven o'clock, a N. W. course. Four miles, a

small branch; the country level; many places drowned lands,

in the winter season. - Ten miles.

"15th. The army moved at eight o'clock. N. W. course.

* * * * The army halted at half past one o'clock on a branch

running west. - Eight miles.

"16th. The army moved at forty five minutes after eight

o'clock. Marched nine miles and halted fifteen minutes after

one o'clock; passed over a level country not very rich. Colonel

Hardin, with his command, took possession of the Miami town

yesterday (15th) at four o'clock, the Indians having left it just

before. - Nine miles.

"17th.  The army moved at fifteen minutes after eight

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General Harmar's Expedition.           83   o'clock, and at one o'clock crossed the Miami river to the vil- lage. The river is about seventy yards wide, a fine transparent stream. The river St. Joseph, which forms the point on which the village stood, is about twenty yards wide, and when the waters are high is navigable a great way up it.

"On the 18th I, (Armstrong) was detached with thirty men under the command of Colonel Trotter. On the 19th Colonel Hardin commanded in lieu of Colonel Trotter. Attacked about one hundred Indians, fifteen miles west of the Miami village, and from the dastardly conduct of the militia, the troops were obliged to retreat. I lost one sergeant and twenty-one out of thirty men of my command.    The Indians on this occasion gained a complete victory, having killed in the whole, near one

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84       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

hundred men, which was about their number. Many of the

militia threw away their arms without firing a shot, ran through

the federal troops, and threw them into disorder. Many of the

Indians must have been killed as I saw my men bayonet many

of them. They fought and died hard." Here ends the journal

of Captain Armstrong.

On the 18th, the following general orders were published:

 

"CAMP AT THE MIAMI VILLAGE, Oct. 18, 1790.

"The General is much mortified at the unsoldier-like be-

havior of many of the men in the army, who make it a practice

to straggle from the camp in search of plunder. He, in the

most positive terms, forbids this practice in the future, and

the guards will be answerable to prevent it. No party is to go

beyond the line of sentinels without a commissioned officer, who,

if of the militia, will apply to Colonel Hardin for his orders.

The regular troops will apply to the general. * * * * The rolls

are to be called at troop and retreat beating, and every man ab-

sent is to be reported. * * * * The army is to march tomorrow

morning early for their new encampment at Chillicothe, about

two miles from here.

"JOSIAH HARMAR, Brigadier General."

 

On the arrival of General Harmar at the Miami village,

about two-thirds of the militia dispersed in search of plunder.

The "Chillicothe" referred to by General Harmar was a Shawnee

village.

On the morning of the 19th, a detachment under the com-

mand of Colonel Hardin marched a northward course on the

Indian path, which led toward the Kickapoo towns; and after

passing a morass about five miles distant from the Miami vil-

lage, the troops came to a place where on the preceding day a

party of Indians had encamped.

At this spot the detachment made a short halt, and the

commanding officer stationed the companies at points, several

rods apart. From here the detachment moved on without re-

ceiving orders to make any arrangements for an attack; and

when Captain Armstrong informed Colonel Hardin that the

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General Harmar's Expedition.            85

fires of the Indians had been discerned, Colonel Hardin believed

that the Indians would not fight, and rode in front of the ad-

vancing columns, until the detachment was fired on from be-

hind the fires. The militia, with the exception of nine, who re-

mained with the regulars and were killed, immediately gave way,

and commenced an irregular retreat, which they continued until

they reached the main army. Hardin, who retreated with them,

made several unsuccessful efforts to rally them. The small band

of regulars obstinately brave, maintained their ground until

twenty-two were killed. Captain Armstrong, Ensign Hartshorne

and five or six privates escaped from the carnage, eluded the

pursuit of the Indians, and arrived at the camp of General

Harmar.

The number of the Indians engaged on this occasion has

been variously estimated. Captain Armstrong placed the num-

ber at one hundred, while Colonel Hardin estimated it at one

hundred and fifty. They were commanded by the distinguished

Miami chief, Mish-e-ken-o-quoh, which signifies, Little Turtle.

The ground on which this action took place is about eleven miles

from Fort Wayne, near the crossing of Eel River, by the Goshen

State road.

On the morning of the 19th the main body of the army

under Harmar, having destroyed the Miami village, moved about

two miles to the Shawnee village, Chillicothe, which, after be-

ing destroyed, was left on the 21st, at ten o'clock, A. M., the

army marching about seven miles on the route to Fort Wash-

ington and encamped. Here, at the urgent request of Colonel

Hardin, General Harmar sent back a detachment of four hun-

dred men. Accordingly, late on the night of the 21st. a corps of

three hundred and forty militia and sixty regular troops, under

command of Major Wyllys, were detached that they might gain

the vicinity of the Miami village before day break, and surprise

any Indians who might be found there.     The detachment

marched in three columns. The regular troops were in the

center, at the head of which Captain Joseph Ashton was posted,

with Major Wyllys and Colonel Hardin in the front. The

militia formed the columns to the right and left. Owing to some

delay, occasioned by the halting of the militia, the detachment

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did not reach the banks of the Maumee till some time after

sunrise. The spies then discovered some Indians, and reported

to Major Wyllys, who halted the regular troops and moved the

militia on some distance in front, where he gave his orders and

plan of attack to the several commanding officers of the corps.

General Harmar reserved to himself the command of the regular

troops. Major Hall, with his battalion was directed to take a

circuitous route around the bend of the Maumee River, cross

the St. Mary's, and there, in the rear of the Indians, wait till

the attack should be brought on by Major McMullen's battalion.

Major Fontaine's cavalry, and the regular troops under Major

Wyllys, were all ordered to cross the Maumee at and near the

common fording place. It was the intention of Hardin and

Wyllys to surround the Indians' encampment; but Major Hall,

who had gained his position undiscovered, disobeyed his orders,

by firing on a single Indian before the commencement of the

action. Several small parties of Indians were soon seen flying

in different directions, and the militia, under McMullen, and

the cavalry, under Fontaine, pursued them in disobedience of

orders, and left Major Wyllys unsupported. The consequence

was, that the regulars, after crossing the Maumee, were attacked

by a superior force of Indians and compelled to retreat with

the loss of Major Wyllys and the greater part of their corps.

Major Fontaine, at the head of the mounted militia, fell, with

a number of his followers in making a charge against a small

party of Indians; and on his fall, the remainder of his troops

dispersed. While the main body of the Indians, led by Little

Turtle, were engaged with the regulars near the bank of the

Maumee, some skirmishing took place near the confluence of

the rivers St. Marys and St. Josephs, between detached parties

of Indians and the militia under Hull and McMullen. After

the defeat of the regulars, however, the militia retreated on the

route to the main army; the Indians having suffered a severe

loss did not pursue them. As soon as the news of the defeat

of the detachment reached the camp of Hardin, he immediately

ordered Major Ray to march with his battalions to the assistance

of the retreating parties; but so great was the panic which

prevailed among the militia, that only thirty men could be in-

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General Harmar's Expedition.            87

 

duced to leave the main army. With this small number, Ray

met Colonel Hardin, on his retreat. On reaching the encamp-

ment, Hardin requested of Harmar that the main army be sent

back to the Miami village. This request General Harmar re-

fused, on the ground of lack of forage, and inability to move

the baggage. He also claimed that the Indians had received a

good scourging, and should they think proper to follow him, he

would keep the army in perfect readiness to receive them. The

general at this time had lost all confidence in the militia. The

bounds of the camp were made less, and at eight o'clock on

the morning of the 23rd, the army took up the line of march for

Fort Washington, which was reached on the 4th day of No-

vember. The army had lost one hundred and eighty-three killed,

and thirty-seven wounded. Among the killed were the follow-

ing officers: Major Wyllys and Lieutenant Ebenezer Farthing-

ham of the regular troops; and Major Fontaine, Captains Thorp,

McMurtrey and Scott; Lieutenants Clark and Rogers, and En-

signs Bridges, Sweet, Higgins and Thielkeld of the militia.

A considerable number of the regulars of General Harmar's

army had followed Washington and other generals in the War

of the Revolution. The killed of his little army were buried in

the low bank of the Ford of the Maumee, the present site of

Fort Wayne. General Harmar had lost the best of the militia,

and of the regulars; and was forced to struggle homeward to

Fort Washington as best he could, a greatly disappointed com-

mander. It was indeed a dreary march. The militia became

nearly ungovernable, so that at one time Harmar reduced them

to order only by threatening to fire on them with the artillery.

He had, however, succeeded sufficiently to, in some measure,

remove the sting of his defeat, by the destruction of the villages,

crops and other property of the enemy, and the killing of many

of the warriors.

On October 20th, 1790, Governor St. Clair, from  Fort

Washington, wrote the Secretary of War concerning the result

of the expedition, in which he said:

"I have the pleasure to inform you of the entire success of

General Harmar at the Indian towns on the Miami and St.

Joseph rivers, of which he has destroyed five in number and a

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very great quantity of corn and other vegetable provisions.

And on November 6th, he writes: "On the 20th of last month,

I had the honor to inform you, generally, of the success that at-

tended General Harmar. I could not then give you the par-

ticulars, as the General's letters had not reached me; it is not

necessary now, because he writes himself. One thing, however,

is certain, that the savages have got a terrible stroke, of which

nothing can be a greater proof than that they have not attempted

to harass the army on its return. They arrived at this place

on the 3rd instant, in good health and spirits." It may be well

said to the optimistic Governor that he could "Wrest victory

out of defeat!"

Notwithstanding the loss to the Indians, they became more

than ever angry; all the western tribes made common cause with

the Miamis, and banded together in more open warfare. Their

murderous raids on the frontiers continued and increased in

numbers, so that the settlers were kept in constant fear of the

tomahawk and scalping knife. Subsequent history relates the

further measures and expeditions necessary to subdue the sav-

ages and bring peace to the harassed frontiers; but these are

not within the limits of this article. But it may be mentioned,

however, that in the spring of 1791, the President appointed

Governor St. Clair Major General and placed him in command

of the army. Colonel Richard Butler was promoted to general

and placed second in command. It was resolved to make another

campaign against the Indians in the summer. General Harmar,

smarting under what he considered to be unjust criticisms upon

his conduct of the expedition, demanded a Court of Inquiry,

which was granted by General St. Clair, Commander in Chief,

with General Richard Butler president, and Colonels Gibson and

Darke members. (State papers military affairs, Vol. 1, pages

20 to 36.)

The court sat at Fort Washington, beginning September

15, 1791, and spent several days examining the testimony. On

October 3rd General Butler transmitted to General St. Clair

the proceedings and finding of the Court of Inquiry. The

finding of the Court was highly honorable to General Harmar,

(Vol. II St. Clair Papers, p. 251) fully exonerating him from

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General Harmar's Expedition.            89

 

any blame in regard to the expedition. On the inquiry, the

principal witnesses in their testimony attributed the failure of the

expedition to the insubordination of the militia. General Har-

mar declined to take part in the proposed St. Clair expedition,

resigned from the army and returned to his home in Phila-

delphia.

In the preparation of the foregoing, the following works

have been freely drawn upon, "History of Indiana," by Dillon;

"Winning of the West," by Col. Roosevelt, and "The St. Clair

Papers," by Smith.

 

GENERAL HARMAR'S JOURNAL.

Diary of General Harmar from the Draper MSS., by courtesy of the

Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin.

(Draper MSS. "W" Harmar's Papers, Vol. II, pp. 335-348 incl.)

"Wednesday, Sept. 8th, 1790.-Fort Washington, H. Qrs.

Capt. McCurdy arrived here this morning at daybreak, & left

the same morning at half past eleven o'clock on his way to Fort

Knox at Post Vincennes.

"Sunday, Sept. 12th--This afternoon a Captain-2 subs-

3 serjeants & 30 privates arrived, & encamped on the margin of

the Ohio, the lower Side of Licking. They are militia from Ma-

son County.

"Wednesday, Sept. 16th.--Lt. Col. Hall arrived this morning

at the mouth of Licking with 102 militia from Bourbon county.

"Thursday, Sept. 1₇th.--Col. Hardin &  St. Col. Comt.

Trotter arrived this morning. The militia assembled are from

the following counties, viz: Fayette, Mercer, Bourbon, Mad-

ison, Woodford & Mason.

"Saturday, Sept. ₂₅^th.-- Major Doughty with the militia &

Federal troops arrived at the garrison this day.

"Sunday, Sept. 26th.--This day the Kentucky militia, &

Major Paul with part of the Pennsylvania Militia marched &

encamped about 4 miles from the garrison. Rained almost in-

cessantly during the whole night.

"Monday, Sept. ₂₇th.- Rainy day - retards our movement.

"Tuesday, Sept. ₂8th - Still cloudy & Rainy.

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90        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

"Thursday, Sept. ₃₀th^-- Marched this morning at eleven

o'clock, & encamped about 7 miles from Fort Washington, on

the waters of Mill Creek. Hilly country, but fine rich land; spice

bushes in abundance. Course N. E. by E.

"Friday, Octr. 1st, 1790.- Very fine day; marched thro' rich

level ground, well watered, but thick of underbrush; encamped

on the waters of Mill Creek-course N. by E. This day's march

about 9 miles. Col. Truby with the cattle left at Fort Washing-

ton arrived and encamped with us this evening-formed a

square encampment.

"Saturday, Oct^r. ₂d. - Weather very fine. Marched & en-

camped upon the waters of the Little Miami, through rich land

generally, but we passed over some but middling: encamped in

a rich bottom in the military range, one mile in the rear of the

militia under Colonel Hadin. This day's march about 13 miles,

& a N. E. course.

"Sunday, Octr. ₃d-- Marched about two miles and joined

Colonel Hardin - encamped on Turkey Creek on the waters of

Little Miami early, about 10 o'clock in the morning, & spent the

day in making arrangements for the order of March, &c., &c.

We are about 31 miles from Fort Washington on Clark's Old

Trace.

"Monday, Octr. ₄th.^-- Marched about eleven miles &

crossed the Little Miami--course about N. E. by E. Several

horses lost last night, supposed to be stolen by the Indians. En-

camped on Caesar's Creek, two miles from the Little Miami, in

a square.

"Tuesday, Octr. ₅th.  Marched & encamped on Glady Creek

- course about North- 10 miles - 52 from Ft. Washington:

Generally bottom land, a few small prairies we crossed.

"Wednesday, Oct^r.- 6^th.- Marched about 10 miles & en-

camped on the waters of the Little Miami, about 3 miles north

of Old   Chillicothy: Recrossed  the  Little  Miami-passed

through two or three beautiful prairies: 62 miles from F^t. W.

Lieut. Frothingham with a few Federal, & Capt. Hall (or Hale)

with a reinforcement of militia joined me this evening. Sharp

frost last night - the first of the season.

"Thursday, Octr. ₇th. - Marched about 9 miles & encamped

• 17
 

General Harmar's Expedition.            91

 

on Mad River, alias the Pickaway Fork of the Great Miami.

Good country- 71 miles from Ft. W.: course a little W. of N.

"Friday, Octr. 8th^-- Rainy -marched about 9 miles & en-

camped within 131/2 or 14 miles of the Great Miami - course a

little W. of N.- about 80 miles from Ft. W.- good country.

"Saturday, Octr. ₉th. - Rainy, disagreeable weather-

marched & encamped within 31/2 miles of the Great Miami: About

90 miles from F. W. Course a little W. of N.

"Sunday, Octr. 1Oth. - Clear, cool weather.  Crossed the

Great Miami at New Chillicothe on its banks - Course W. of N.

distance from F. W. about 100 miles. Several tracks of Indians

discovered this day - encamped on a branch of the Great Miami.

Frost at night.

"Monday, October 11th.- Cool weather. Passed through a

place called The French Store, situated on the waters of the

Great Miami, & encamped on the same small waters: About 12

miles this day, & 112 from F. W. A level poor country, white

oak land, badly watered: course about N. W.

"Tuesday, Octr. ₁₂th^-- Cloudy. Passed another New Chil-

licothy, at which is Girty's house, situated on Glaze Creek or

Branch of the Omee, which empties into Lake Erie - & en-

camped about 7 miles to the N. W. of it -about 125 miles from

F. W. Course nearly N. W.--level poor land, very badly

watered.

"Wednesday, Octr. 13th^-- Disagreeable day. Encamped on

a branch of the Omee near La Somer's old house, about 135

miles from F. W. Course to the W. of N. W. Very level coun-

try, but badly watered. This morning a Shawanoese was taken

prisoner by the horse. Mr. Morgan arrived this morning.

"Thursday, Oct. 14th - Rainy, disagreeable day. Detached

Col. Hardin with a corps of 600 men before me to the towns

this morning. The army marched & encamped about 145 miles

from F. W. Very badly watered country--course, a little to

the W. of N. W.

"Friday, Octr. 1₅th.--Cleared in the afternoon; Encamped

on the waters of Omee, about 153 miles from F. W. Course

about N. W. We have travelled through a very level country

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92        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

since we crossed the Great Miami, but amazingly badly watered.

This day's march we had the sight several times of water.

"Saturday, Octr.- 16t^h.- Fine, clear weather. The Savages

have evacuated (with the traders) their favorite Miami Village

& towns. March & encamped about 163 miles from F. W. They

have left, Col. Hardin informs me, a great quantity of corn and

vegetables behind. Level country - very badly watered - course

nearly W.

"Sunday, Octr. 1₇th--Clear weather. Gained the Miami

Village about noon this day. It is beautifully situated between

the Rivers Miami and St. Joseph, and is about 170 miles from

F. W. Course nearly due W. this day. But in a direct line I

question whether it is more than 1OO miles from the fort. The

traders and savages have retired from it in the utmost consterna-

tion, leaving behind them vast quantities of corn and vegetables,

supposed 10,000 bushels in ears.

"Monday, Octr. 18^th^-- Cloudy, & like for falling weather.

Rode to Chillicothy, a Shawanoe Village, distant about two miles

from camp, & situated on the Omee - contains about 80 houses

& wigwams. A vast quantity of corn and vegetables hid in var-

ious places, holes, etc. Two Indians killed & scalped this day

by the calvary, & one killed at night by Capt. McLure. A great

number of horses lost last night.

"Tuesday, Oct^{r. 1}9th. -The party under command of Col.

Hardin was worsted this day about ten miles from hence, by

about 100 or 130 Indians, owing to the shameful cowardly con-

duct of the militia who threw away their arms and would not

fight. The loss is considerable- Capt. Armstrong & the chief

part of the Federal part of the Federal troops are supposed to

have fallen a sacrifice.

"Wednesday, Octr. ₂₀th.^--Fine weather. Capt. Armstrong

got in this day much fatigued - 24 of the Federal troops killed

& missing, & of the militia-Total              . Completed

burning & destroying the several towns with their corn, &c. this

day. The regular troops were shamefully left in the lurch by

the militia the clay before yesterday. ( ?)

"Thursday, Octr. _21st--Fine weather-Indian summer.

Having completed the destruction of the Maumee Towns (as

• 19
 

General Harmar's Expedition.           93

 

they are called), we took up our line of march this morning

from the ruins of Chillicothy for Ft. Washington. Marched

about 8 miles -detached Major Wyllys with 60 Federal & about

300 militia back to where we left this morning, in hopes he

may fall in with some of the savages.

"Friday, Octr. ₂₂nd,- Fine weather. The detachment un-

der Major Wyllys & Col. Hardin performed wonders, although

they were terribly cut up. Almost the whole of the Federal

troops were cut off, with the loss of Major Wyllys, Major Fon-

taine, & Lt, Frothingham - which is indeed a heavy blow. The

consolation is, that the men sold themselves very dear. The

militia behaved themselves charmingly. It is supposed that not

less than 100 warriors of the savages were killed upon the

ground. The action was fought yesterday morning near the

old fort & up the river St. Joseph. The savages never received

such a stroke before in any battle that they have had. The

action at the Great Kanhawa, &c. was a farce to it.

"Saturday, Octr. ₂₃d.^- Indian Summer. Took up our line

of march this morning at 8 o'clock & encamped about 24 miles

from the ruins of the Maumee Towns, or the Miamii Village.

This day's march about 16 miles-much encumbered with our

wounded men.

"Sunday, Octr.^- 24th. --Cloudy & like for rain. Sent off

Mr. Britt early this morning before we started (express) to

the Governor at Ft. W. Marched about 11 miles this day, &

35 miles from the ruins of the M. Towns - encamped on the

waters of the Omee near La Somce's old home.

"Monday, Octr. ₂₅th. - Cold, rainy disagreeable weather.

Passed through a prairie about 4' or 5 miles in length, & en-

camped at Chillicothy near Girty's house on Glaze Creek or

River, about 52 miles from the ruins of the M. Towns. Snow at

night.

"Tuesday, Octr. ₂6th - Clear, cold weather. Encamped at

a place called the French Store, the farthest the Kentuckians

have ever penetrated the Indian country this way. Fine food,

blue grass, &c. for our horses. It is about 64 miles distant from

the ruins of the Maumee Towns. It is situated on a branch of

the Great Miami.

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94       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

"Wednesday, Octr. ₂₇th. - Fine, clear weather.  Passed

through one of our old encampments 7 miles from the French

Store and a great branch of the Miami, & encamped at New

Chillicothy on the banks of the Great Miami 7 miles further

(& supposed to be what Hutchins is his Map called Tawixtive)

-a beautiful prairie about 3 miles from the Great Miami before

we reached it. This day about 78 miles from the ruins of

the Maumee Towns.

"Thursday, Octr. ₂8th. - Like for falling weather. Marched

from New Chillicothy & encamped about 16 miles from it, &

94 from Ft. W. We have now got into a different kind of

country, finely watered (Symmes' Purchase): From New Chil-

licothy to Miamii Village is the most level & the poorest watered

I have ever seen.

"Friday,  Octr.   ₂₉th. - Very  rainy, disagreeable  day.

Marched through a succession of beautiful prairies; passed two

branches of Mad River, & encamped on the waters of the Little

Miami near the where the militiamen were flogged-

about 110 miles from the ruins of the Maumee Towns. Finely

watered, excellent country.

"Saturday, Octr. ₃₀th.-- Marched about 4 miles & halted

for two hours at Old Chillicothy, on the eastern side of the Lit-

tle Miami, in order to refresh our horses. Then immediately

came into a large prairie (better than a mile) - marched through

it & encamped on Glady Creek, the waters of the Little Miami

(land belonging to Col. Hardin) about 8 miles from Old Chilli-

cothy, & about 122 miles from the ruins of the Maumee Towns.

"All these Chillicothys are elegant situations-fine water

near them and beautiful prairies. The Savages knew how to

take a handsome position as well as any people upon earth.

When they leave one Chillicothy, they retire to another place &

call it after the same name. We are now in the Virginia Officers'

Lands.

"Sunday, Octr. ₃1st--Fine, clear weather-Indian sum-

mer. Marched & halted a little while at what is called Sugar

Camp, about 5 miles - from thence to Caesar's Creek, a branch

of the Little Miami, 3 miles. Thence crossed the Little Miami

• 21
 

General Harmar's Expedition.             95

 

(Symmes' Purchase again) 1 mile & halted 4 miles to the S.

W. of it, about 135 miles from the ruins of the Maumee Towns.

"Monday, Nov^r. 1st--Fine, warm weather. Marched 5

miles to Turkey Creek, a branch of the Little Miami. From

thence to the Bridge on Muddy Creek 3 miles - from thence 3

miles further: 146 miles from the ruins of the M. Towns.

"Tuesday, Novr.- ₂d.- Fine weather. Marchd by the Big

Lick & encamped on the waters of Mill Creek about 7 miles from

Ft. W., & 159 miles from the ruins of the M. Towns. A great

deal of white oak land in this day's march.

"Wednesday, Novr. ₃^d.-- Marched and gained Fort Wash-

ington 7 miles, & about 166 miles from the ruins of the Maumee

Towns- having in 5 weeks accomplished the destruction of the

Maumee Towns, with the vast quantity of corn, &c. therein, &

slain upwards of 100 of their warriors, but not without consid-

erable loss on our side-about 180 Federal & militia.

"Thursday, Nov^{r. 4th} - Fine weather. Busy in discharging

the Militia.

"Friday, Novr. 5^th. -The Kentuckians set off for their re-

spective homes yesterday.

"Saturday, Novr. 6th.^- Sunday, Novr. ₇th. L^t. Denny set off

at rev. beat. Major Doughty with the Penn^a. militia ascended the

Ohio this afternoon for the Muskingum.

"Monday, Novr. 8th. --Fine weather.    The Governor &

family also ascended the river this morning for Muskingum.

"Thursday, Novr. 18th. -Early this morning detached Lt.

Kersey with a small party as far as the bridge on Muddy Creek

with the Shawanoe prisoner, from that place to set him at liberty

& let him run to his nation.

"Saturday, Novr. ₂₀th. - Lt. Kersey returned this morning,

taken the Shawanoe as far as the bridge, who parted from him

seemingly with regret.

"Col. Mentzes, Inspector, arrived here this morning, in a

Ky boat, with Lt.- McPherson of Capt. Trueman's detachment &

57 Federal troops.

"Novr. ₂₄th. - Capts. Trueman & Cushing arrived.

"Novr. ₂₅th. - Capt. Armstrong & Ens. Hartshorn start for

Vincennes.

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96       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

"Monday, Novr. 29^th. -An express arrived from Col. Todd

& Col. Johnson, County Lieutenants in Kentucky, informing that

the people are desirous of carrying on another expedition against

the Savages (to strike the Weau Towns) - wishing my consent.

I have returned them a favorable answer, & despatched Cadet

Armstrong with 500 lbs. powder, & 1000 lbs.- lead & some pro-

visions, to be lodged at the mouth of the Kentucky river for the

use of the militia upon the proposed expedition.

"Tuesday, Nov^r. ₃₀th. - Capt. Ballard Smith & Lieut. Spear

arrived at the garrison this evening--the former from the

Rapids - the latter from Post Vincennes."

 

MAJOR FERGUSON'S REPORT.

Major Ferguson's report of General Harmar's expedition, made to

Richard Butler, Esquire, Major General and President of the

Court of Enquiry, now sitting.

(Draper MSS. "U" Frontier Wars, Vol. IV, pp. 47-56, and 58-61 incl.)

SIR:-I have duly considered the objects which now em-

ploy your attention and investigation: the following is a just de-

tail of the transactions of the late Companies as far as came

within my knowledge. Some time about the 15^th July it was

determined to carry on an Expedition against the Miamie Vil-

lages. 1000 Militia from Kentucky and 500 from Pennsylvania

with what could be collected of the 1st U. S. Regt. and one Com-

pany of artillery was to form the army.

The Militia from  Kentuckey began to assemble at Fort

Washington about the middle of September, these were very ill

equiped, being almost destitute of Camp Kittles and axes, nor

could a supply of these essential articles be procured. Their

arms were generally very bad and unfit for service. I being

Commanding Officer of Artillery, they came under my inspection

in making what repairs the time would permit, and as a specimen

of their badness am to inform the court, that a Riffle was brought

to be repaired without a Lock and another without a stock; I

asked them what induced them to think these guns could be

repaired at that time, and they gave me for answer that they

were told in Kentuckey that all repairs would be made at Fort

Washington; Many of the officers told me that they had no idea

• 23
 

General Harmar's Expedition.           97

 

of the there being half the number of bad arms in the whole

District of Kentucky as was then in the hands of their men.

As soon as the principal part of the Kentucky Militia arrived,

the General began to organize them, in this he had many diffi-

culties to encounter. Col. Trotter aspired to the command (altho

Col. Hardin was the eldest officer) and in this he was encour-

aged both by men & officers, who openly declared unless Col.

Trotter commanded them they would return home; After two

or three days the business was settled & they were formed into

three battalions under the command of Col. Trotter, and Col.

Hardin had the command of all the Militia. As soon as they were

arranged, they were Mustered, crossed the Ohio and on the ₂₅th

March and encamped about ten miles from Fort Washington.

The last of the Pennsylvania Militia arrived on the ₂₅th

Septr. These were equipped nearly as the Kentuckey, but were

worse armed, several were without any. The Genl. ordered all

the arms in store to be delivered to those who had none, and those

whose guns could not be repaired.

Amongst the Militia were a great many hardly able to bear

Arms, such as old infirm men, and young boys. They were not

such as might be expected from a frontier country, viz. The

smart active woodsmen, well accustomed to arms, eager and

alert to revenge the injuries done them and their connections:

No, there were a great number of them substitutes who prob-

ably had never fired a gun. Major Paul of Pennsylva told me

that many of his men were so awkward that they could not take

their gun locks off to oil them and put them on again, nor could

they put in their Flints so as to be useful; and even of such

materials the numbers came far short of what was ordered, as

may be seen by the Returns.

On ₃1st Septr. the Genl. with the Continental Troops marched

from Fort Washington to join Col. Harden who had advanced

into the country for the sake of feed for the cattle & to open

the Road for the Artillery. On the ₃rd. the whole army joined,

and was arranged in order of March, Encampment & Battle,

these will appear by the orderly Book, with this difference in

the Encampment; this space we were to occupy when in order

Vol. XX-7.

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98        Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

of Battle (which was to be open) was always to be fitted up

with our fires, nor was any intervals to be left between Battalion;

this was done to prevent in some measure the cattle & horses

from getting out of Camp, and the Centinels Ground Camp had

orders not to let the cattle or horses pass out after dark; just

before which time they were brought within our fires. These

precautions aided by the care and industry of Mr. Wells & his

assistants succeeded well in preventing loss of Cattle; I have

been informed there were only two Oxen lost from the time

the whole army took up the line of march until it returned to

Fort Washington. But I am sorry to say it was not the case

with the Pack Horses, the generality of the people employed

in that department were ignorant of their duty, Indolent and

inactive; nor was it the power of the General to remedy these

defects, the shortness of the time for assembling & organizing

the Army put it out of his power to look about and select fit

characters, he was of course obliged to take those that offered,

after he was in the woods it was out of his power to exchange

them for better & punishments for neglect of duty was out of

the question. The principles on which the horses were employed

induced the drivers (who were chiefly parties in the business)

to loose & otherwise destroy them, rather than return them

to their owners, by this means the proprietors had a high ap-

praisement paid them for their horses and daily pay for services

untill they were lost, by adding to the above the negligence of

Centinels, I account for the number of Horses lost which in

my opinion was out of Gen. Harmar's power to prevent. After

the Army was arranged we continued our march without any

material occurrence untill the ₁₃th when the Horse fell in with

two Indians & took one of them prisoner, who informed that

the Indians were not in force at the Mamie Village. This day

we reached a place called the French Store at which place a

French man who was then with the General as a guide, had lived,

he informed that the Village was about ten leagues distant. From

this place on the morning of the 12^th, Col. Hardin was detached

with 600 men to endeavor to surprise the Mamie Village, the

Army moved at the same time, and altho' it rained the whole

day we continued our march with diligence untill late, the horses

• 25
 

General Harmar's Expedition.            99

 

were ordered to be tied up this night to enable the Army to move

early the next day which it did; this diligence of the Army on

its march induces me to believe the General was endeavoring to

guard against any disaster that might happen to Col. Harden,

which I am of opinion would have been in his power, for Col.

Harden had not gained more than four miles of the army

in the first days march. On the ₁₇th the Army arrived at the

Mamie Village, here were evident signs of the enemy having

quitted the place in the greatest confusion. Indian dogs & Cows

came into our Camp this day which induced us to believe the

families were not far off. A party of 300 men with three days'

provisions under the command of Col. Trotter was ordered (as

I understood) to examine the country round our Camp, but

contrary to the Generals orders returned the same evening, this

conduct of the Colonel did not meet the Generals approbation,

and Col. Hardin anxious for the character of his countrymen

wished to have the command of the same detachment for the

remaining two days which was given him.    This command

marched on the morning of the 1₉th & was the same day shame-

fully defeated: Col. Hardin told me that the number which

attacked him did not exceed 150 and that had his people fought

or even made a shew of forming to fight he was certain the

Indians would have run; But on the Indians firing (which was

at a great distance) the Militia run numbers throwing away their

arms, nor could he ever rally them. Major Rhea confirmed the

same. I do not know what influenced the General to make the

detachment on the ₂₁st. But from the enemy being flushed with

success on the ₁₉th, it became necessary, if in his power, to give

them a check to prevent the army from being harrassed on its

return, which they might have done, will readily be granted by

everyone who has the least knowledge of the Indians, and an

Army encumbered with cattle & Pack horses much worn down:

and altho the detachment was not so fortunate as was reasonably

to have been expected, yet I firmly believe it prevent the savages

from annoying our rear, as the never made their appearance

after. With respect to reporting that detachment which consisted

of four hundred chosen Troops I always believed them superior

to 150 Indians which was the greatest number as yet discovered;

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100      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

had it not been for misconduct & disobediance of orders by the

officers who was on the command. I understood that Major

Rheas Battalion had been advanced to cover them which was

as many as could possibly have been spaired, taking into view

that those in Camp could not be depended on, & many were

without arms, having thrown them away. To support with the

whole army was impracticable, the pack horses being weak and

greatly reduced in numbers; the Artillery Horses being much

reduced and unable to undergo much more fatigue, but at the cer-

tain loss of the Artillery. As it was, we were obliged to send

to Fort Washington for horses to assist in hauling it in. The

march of the Army was regular and as well conducted as was

possible to be done with Militia.

With respect to the General's conduct report says he was

intoxicated all the Campain and unable to execute the impor-

tant duties of his Station. I have mentioned my commanding

the Artillery which was posted at the head of the center Column,

and here the General chiefly was during the march, of course.

I had an opportunity of seeing and being with him through the

day in the morning I received my orders from him and when

we halted to encamp he chiefly pointed out the ground where

the Artillery should be posted, my duty called me often to his

Tent before we marched in the morning and after we halted in

the evening; in short had he been given to Drunkeness I had as

good an opportunity of seeing it as any other officers in the

Army, yet I do declare that from our leaving Fort Washington

untill our return I never seen Genl. Harmar intoxicated or so

as to render him unfit for the execution of any duties: In him

and his abilities as an officer I placed the greatest confidence never

doubting in his orders but obeying with chearfulness being con-

scious they. were the production of experience and sound judg-

ment.

I am sir

Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

W. FERGUSON, Major.

• 27
 

General Harmar's Expedition.            101

 

STATEMENT OF ENSIGN BRITT.

To Major General Butler, President of the Court of Enquiry, Fort

Washington.

Being called upon to relate the circumstances attending Gen-

eral Harmar's expedition against the Maumee Indians; the fol-

lowing have come particularly under my notice.

With respect to the personal conduct of General Harmar,

I knew that he was indefatigable in making arrangements for

the execution of the plans which had been formed for the ex-

pedition; and know also that the difficulties were great which

he had to encounter in Organizing the Militia, and endeavoring

to establish that harmony which was wanting in their Com-

manding officers, Colonels Hardin & Trotter which he accom-

plished apparently to their Satisfaction. He was at all times

diligent in attending to the conduct of the Officers in the dif-

ferent departments of the Army, and was always ready to

attend to such occurrences as were consequent to the same-

and the necessary exertions to have his orders carried into ex-

ecution were not wanting-but there were great deficiencies on

the part of the Militia-either owing to the want of authority

in some of their Officers, or from their Ignorance or inatten-

tion. Indeed the generality of them Scarcely deserved the name

of anything like Soldiers. They were mostly substitutes for

others-who had nothing to Stimulate them to their duty.

As to the disposition for the Order of March, form of en-

campment, and Order of battle; they are matters which I being

a young Officer can say little about. I presume they will answer

for themselves.

The General's motives for detaching Col. Hardin on the ₁₄th

October, when he was told we were but 10 Leagues from the

Indian Town-I supposed to be from information he received

by a prisoner who was taken on the ₁₃th. That the indians at

the Maumee Village were in great consternation and confusion-

and the prospects were they might be easily defeated if found

in that Situation.  In order to support this detachment, the

Horses of the army were ordered to be tied up at night, so that

the whole army might be ready to march early in the morning;

which was done accordingly and when Colonel Hardin reached

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102      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

the Village the main body was not more than 5 or 6 miles in his

rear.

The detachment under Colo. Trotter was ordered to recon-

noitre for 3 days the neighborhood, to endeavor to find out the

Savages, who had fled from their Towns-this party returned

the evening of the same day they Started-and next morning

Col. Hardin marched with the same party and fell in with the

Indians, and an engagement ensued in which he was routed-

Owing to the cowardly behaviour of the Militia under his com-

mand.

The motives which I conceived led to the detaching the party

under Major Wyllys on the ₂₁st Were that the Indians having

avoided engaging the whole army, would collect at their Towns

and harrass the rear and flanks, as much as possible on its re-

turn; and a Stroke at them before they could assemble in large

bodie would prevent their doing it with much effect. The party

accordingly met with the Indians and a battle followed, in which

numbers were killed on both sides. The moment the news of

this arrived in Camp, Major Ray with his Battalion of Kentucky

militia was ordered to March to the support of Major Wyllys;

but did not proceed far before they returned.

Any Occurrences that followed this last action I am unac-

quainted with, as I was sent from the Army with dispatches for

his Excellency Govr. St. Clair then at this place.

FORT WASHINGTON; Sept^{r. 1}6th, 1791.

D. BRITT, Ensign 1^st U. S. Regt.

 

DIARY OF LIEUTENANT DENNY.

FORT WASHINGTON, September ₁₆th^' 1791.

The honorable

MAJOR GENERAL BUTLER

President of Court of Enquiry.

(Draper MSS. "U" Frontier Wars, Vol. IV, pp. 25-33 incl.)

SIR: Agreeably to your directions I present the court with

the following detail of circumstances relative to the campaign

carried on by General Harmar against the Maumee Towns:

July 11^th, 1791 Governor St. Clair arrived at Fort Washing-

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General Harmar's Expedition.            103

 

ton from the Illinois country, he remained only three days, during

which time it was determined that General Harmar should carry

on an expedition against certain hostile tribes of Indians, for

which purpose, I understand, he was to have 1000 Militia from

Kentucky & 500 from Pennsylvania with all the federal troops

on the Ohio.

₁₅th. The Governor embarked for New York, intending, on

his way, to order out the Militia as soon as possible; I believe

the 1₅th of September was the appointed time for the army to

assemble at Fort Washington.

General Harmar began his preparations, and every day was

employed in the most industrious manner. The calculations for

provisions, horses & stores were immediately made out, & orders

given accordingly. Great exertions were used by Capt^n. Fer-

guson to get in readiness the artillery & military stores, & in-

deed every officer was busily engaged under the eye of the Gen-

eral in fitting out necessary matters for the expedition, but par-

ticularly the quarter master-not a moment's time appeared to

be lost.

15t^h & 16th of Sept. The Kentucky Militia arrived, but in-

stead of seeing active rifle men, such as is supposed to inhabit

the frontiers, we saw a parcel of men, young in the country, and

totally inexperienced in the business they came upon, so much

so, that many of them did not even know how to keep their

arms in firing order. Indeed their whole object seemed to be

nothing more than to see the country, without rendering any ser-

vice whatever -a great many of their guns wanted repairs,

& as they could not put them in order, our artificers were obliged

to be employed - a considerable number came without any guns

at all. Kentucky seemed as if she wished to comply with the

requisitions of Government as ineffectually as possible, for it was

evident, that about two-thirds of the men served only to swell

their number.

₁₉th Sepr. A small detachment of Pennsylvania militia ar-

rived.

₂₂nd. The Governor returned from New York.

₂₅t^h. Major Doughty with two companies of federal troops

joined from Muskingum, & the remains of the Pennsylvania Mi-

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104       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

litia came this day - the Militia last mentioned were similar to

the others - too many substitutes. The General lost no time in

organizing them, tho he met with many difficulties. The Col-

onels were disputing for the command, & the one most popular

was least entitled to it. The General's design was to reconcile

all parties, which he accomplished after much trouble. The

Kentuckians composed three Battalions under the Majors.

Hall, McMillion & Rhey, with Lt. Col. Coml. Trotter at their

head. The Pennsylvanians were formed into one Battalion under

Lieut Col. Truby and Major Paul, the whole to be commanded by

Colonel John Hardin, subject to the orders of Genl. Harmar.

₂6th Sepr. The Militia marched on the rout towards the

Indian towns.

₃₀th. The General having got forward all the supplies that

he expected, he moved out with the federal troops formed into

the small Battalions under the immediate command of Major

Wyllys & Major Doughty, together with Captain Ferguson's

company of artillery, & three pieces of ordnance.

October ₃rd^. General Harmar joined the advanced troops

early in the morning, the remaining part of the day was spent

in forming the line of March, the Order of Encampment &

Battle, and explaining the same to the militia field officers. Gen-

eral Harmar's orders will shew the several formations.

4th.  The army took up the Order of March as is described

in the orders.

₅th. A reinforcement of horsemen & Mounted infantry

joined from Kentucky. The Dragoons were formed into two

troops, the mounted rifle men made a company & this small Bat-

talion of light troops were put under the Command of Major

Fontain. The whole of General Harmar's command then may

be stated thus-

 

3 Battalions of Kentucky Militia ......................

1  Battalion  of  Pennsylvania  Militia ...................  1,133

1 Battalion light troops mounted  Militia...............

2  Battalions        federal troops ............................                                                                     320

 

Total          ..........................................                                                                                  1,453

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General Harmar's Expedition.            105

 

The Line of March was certainly one of the best that could

be adopted & great attention was paid to keep the officers with

their commands in proper order, & the pack horses etc. as com-

pact as possible.

The Order of Encampment appeared to be well calculated

not only for defense but to preserve the horses & cattle from

being lost; however, notwithstanding every precaution was taken,

& repeated orders given to the horsemaster to hopple well their

horses, and directions to the Officers & men not to suffer any to

pass through the lines, many of them, owing to the carelessness

of the Militia, & the scarcity of food, tho great attention was

paid in the choice of ground, broke loose and strayed through

the lines after night, & even passed the chain of sentries which

encircled the camp, and were lost - patroles of Horsemen were

ordered out every morning by daylight to scoure the neighbour-

ing woods & to bring in any horses that might have broke

through the lines; and a standing order directed the picquets

to turn out small parties & drive in every horse. This was done,

I believe, to expedite the movement of the army. There was

no less attention paid to securing the cattle--every evening

when the army halted, the guard which was composed of a

commissioned officer & 30 or 35 men, built a yard always within

the chain of sentries & sometimes in the square of encampment,

& placed a sufficient number of sentries round the enclosure,

which effectually preserved them. There was not more than 2

or 3 head lost during the whole of the campaign.

₁₃th October. Early in the morning a patrole of horsemen

captured a Shawanoe Indian.

₁₄th October. Colonel Hardin was detached with 600 light

troops to push for the Miami Village. I believe that this detach-

ment was sent forward in consequence of the intelligence gained

of the Shawanao prisoner, which was, that the Indians were

clearing out as fast as possible, and that if we did not make

more haste, the towns would be evacuated before our arrival.

As it was impossible for the main body with all their train to

hasten their march much, the General thought proper to send

on Colonel Hardin in hopes of taking a few before they would

all get off. This night the Horses were all ordered to be tied

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up that the army might start by day light on purpose to keep

as near Colonel Hardin as possible,-the distance to the Indian

towns when the detachment marched ahead was about 35 miles.

₁₅th. Every exertion was used to get forward the main

body--this day we found that the advanced party had gained

but very few miles.

16th^. In the evening, met an express from Col. Hardin, who

had got into the village, informing the General that the enemy

had abandoned every place.

₁₇th. About noon, the army arrived at the Omee Towns.

18th.  Col. Trotter was ordered out with 300 men Militia

& regulars, to reconnoitre the country & to endeavor to make

some discoveries of the enemy; he marched but a few miles

when his advanced horsemen came upon 2 Indians & killed them.

The Colonel was contented with this victory & returned to camp.

Colonel Hardin was displeased, because Col. Trotter did not

execute his orders - requested the General to give him the Com-

mand of the party, it was granted, & accordingly Hardin marched

next morning, but I believe that he had not two thirds of his

number when two miles from camp, for to my certain knowl-

edge many of the Militia left him on the march & returned to

their companies. Whether he knew it or not, I can't tell, but

proceeded on with a determination to trace some fresh signs of

the enemy. I believe the plan was merely to gain some knowledge

of the savages. He at length came upon a party not exceeding

one hundred, but was worsted, owing entirely as I am informed,

to the scandilous behaviour of the Militia, many of whom never

fired a shot but ran off at the first noise of the Indians & left

the few regulars to be sacrificed - some of them never halted

until they crossed the Ohio. The Army in the main time was

employed burning & destroying the houses & corn, shifting their

position from one town to another.

21^st Oct. The army having burned five villages besides the

Capital Town & consumed & destroyed near 20,000 bushels of

corn in ears, took up the Line of march on the rout back to Fort

Washington & encamped about 8 miles from the ruins-9 o'clock

p. m. the General ordered out 400 choice men, Militia & regulars,

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General Harmar's Expedition.         107

 

under the command of Major Wyllys to return to the Towns in-

tending to surprise any parties that might be assembled there,

supposing that the Indians would collect to see how things were

left. The General had felt the enemy, knew their strength, &

calculated much upon the success of this enterprise. It was the

general opinion that the force of the savages was nothing equal to

this detachment, and unless by some such means, there was no

possibility of getting any advantage of them. However, the best

laid plan, was in some measure defeated by the disobeydiance of

the Militia who ran in pursuit of small parties & left Major

Wyllys unsupported, the consequence was that the Major with the

most part of the regulars were killed & our loss was equal if not

greater than the savages.

The intention of this detachment was evident to all the army

& would have answered the fullest expectations, provided a due

obeydiance had been observed on the part of the Militia to

provide against disobeydiance of orders what I believe no one

would think of, & had it not been the case, the Major might have

returned crowned with laurels. The main body waited for the

return of his detachment, but to our mortification, about 11

o'clock of the ₂₂nd, a fellow who ran back from the field give

some information of Major Wyllys's misfortune. The General

immediately dispatched Major Rhey with his Battalion to the

assistance of the parties, but the Major did not get the length

until he met Col. Hardin returning to camp with his wounded.

I am led to believe that about this time the General lost the

confidence he had in the Militia, those of them among the dead

were of the best men--the effective strength was very much

reduced by sickness & other ways--the regular troops did not

furnish more than 200, they were very insufficient, and I am

clearly of the opinion, that had the enemy made an attack upon

our camp this evening or the morning following, the Militia were

so panic struck, that very few of them would have stood. The

consequences that would have happened stared every person with

horror - the sick & wounded & all the stores artillery etc. would

have fallen a prey to the savages. This was also the opinion of

several of the principal officers, who advised General Harmar

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108      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

of the danger of attempting to return to the Towns, from the

time it would take up & the probability that the delay would give

the savages time to collect from distant quarters.

₂₂^nd October. Continued encamped, fixing biers for the

wounded, and making repairs.

The frost had destroyed the food early on our march out,

& the horses of the army was now very much reduced, so much

so, that it was utterly impossible for the main body to perform

anything rapidly, and to get back upon the road which we had

so lately passed, was attended with difficulty - however, the

greatest attention was paid, the little army was kept compact,

and vigilancewas the word from all who had any reputation to

lose.

The Militia on the return began to be refractory, showing

great signs of a revolt-discharging their pieces in open defiance

of the General orders, some of them, however, were detected

& punished, which give umbrage, and was afterwards the cause

of many idle ill-natured reports spread, without any foundation,

to injure the General's reputation.

The army returned by slow marches back to Fort Wash-

ington. General Harmar's conduct during the campaign was

observed to be sober, steady, & attentive to the service, and as

my duty required me to be frequently near him, should certainly

have discovered it, had he been at any time intoxicated as has

been reported. Every evening as duly as the army halted, the

General made his remarks for that day, & issued orders for

the movement & arrangements for the next, and every morning

he was found among the first prepared for the field.

I have the honor to be

Sir

Your very humble servant

E. DENNY,

Lieut. & Agt. 1^st Regt. of the U. S.

(Endorsed)

LIEUT. DENNIS Statement of Genl Harmar.

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