Ohio History Journal

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56 Ohio Arch

56         Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

emphasized by the hundreds of Japanese lanterns strung along either

bank and in sweeping festooons across the big Lake Erie bridge. Near

the bridge, and extending across the river, were seven of the largest boats

in the river, bearing huge electric transparencies upon which appeared

six-foot letters spelling the name Croghan, which was also seen in a

set piece. The hit of the evening was the reproduction of Fort Stephen-

son on the southern extremity of Brady's Island.

Old Betsy in life-size reproduction belched forth

volleys of colored fireballs, accompanied with heavy

detonations and clouds of smoke and the sharp re-

ports of musketry and small arms, cleverly imitated

with fireworks. At brief intervals the entire fort

was beautifully illuminated with red fire, which

brought out in striking relief the details of the

stockade, Old Betsy, her men, the sally posts, etc.

The barge on board of which were the Light

Guard band, the Maennerchor singers, Miss Reese,

the vocalist of the evening, and the orchestra were

moored near the Lake Erie bridge and strung with

electric lights.

The fireworks, in charge of Chief Reiff, of the fire department, were

magnificent and no accidents occurred. Especial praise is due Charles

Hermon, the lamplighter, who superintended the illuminations. Commo-

dore Coonrod's fleet as managed by Charles Grable, was a thing of

beauty. The display occupied three hours and general satisfaction on the

part of all was evident in their attention.

 

HARRISON'S     NORTHWESTERN         CAMPAIGN.

The best description extant of General Harrison's Northwestern

Campaign is that contained in "A History of the Late War in the

Western Country," by Robert B. McAfee, Lexington, Ky., 1816, a rare

and valuable volume.

Major McAfee was himself an officer in that campaign, serving as

a captain in the regiment of mounted riflemen commanded by Col. Richard

M. Johnson.

In his Preface he acknowledges his indebtedness to Gen. Harrison,

Governor Shelby, Colonels Croghan and Tod and Colonel Wood of the

Engineers for official correspondence and assistance in procuring material

and formation. The chapter relating to the Tippecanoe campaign in

1811 contains the following references to some of the Kentucky Vol-

unteers:

"Colonel Keiger, who raised a small company of 79 men near

Louisville, including among them  Messrs. Croghan, O'Fallen, Shipp,

Chum and Edwards, who afterward distinguished themselves as officers

in the army of the United States."