Ohio History Journal

OHIO IN THE WAR OF 1812.

 

FIRST NEWSPAPER IN THE WEST RESERVE.

[The first newspaper published in the Western Reserve was the

"TRUMP OF FAME " edited by Thomas D. Webb. It was a weekly, pub-

lished at Warren, Trumbull County, the first issue being dated June 16,

1812--The date of the declaration of war by Congress. David Fleming

was the printer. As the first volume covers the year 1812, the first half

year of the war, it is doubly interesting as giving information at first

hand concerning the proceedings in Ohio and the action of the Ohio

troops in the contest. From an original copy we herewith produce

excerpts from the volume of that paper, which we regard as sufficiently

valuable to be permanently preserved. The articles concerning General

Hull, his surrender of Detroit, and the attacks upon his loyalty are

specially deserving of notice as showing the popular view entertained

at that time. It should be remembered, however, that Hull was subse-

quently officially exonerated.--E. 0. R., Editor.]

The first issue contained the following:

It will be recollected, by most of our readers, that two men

were murdered some time ago by the Indians, on Pipe creek,

Huron county. Since that time, two Indians of the Chippaway

tribe, who committed the murder have been taken. One of

whom has been convicted at Cleveland, Cuyahoga, and now

awaits the sentence of the law; which is to be carried into

execution, at the latter place on the 26 inst. The other, who

was arrested by the Indians of that neighborhood shot himself

while in their custody, before he could be delivered to the whites.

 

We are informed by a respectable traveller from Huron

county that considerable interest is making by the Indians of

the Chipawa tribe, to procure the pardon of the Indian, now

under sentence of death at Cleveland. A council has been held

by the chiefs of that tribe, together with some other Indians to

determine what course of measures should be pursued, to pro-

cure his release. A proposition was made to attempt his release

by force; this was rejected, and it was determined that his

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              287

father, who is a principal chief of the Chipawa tribe, should

make personal application to Governor Meigs for his release.

The Indians offer, as a condition of his discharge, to cede

to the United States a tract of two hundred acres of land;

bounded East by the Fire lands, extending Westerly to San-

dusky river, and up the river as far as the United States reserva-

tion; also to give up the promised reward of eighty dollars for

the apprehension of the other Indian, to which they were en-

titled. It is said both by Indians, and Whites, that this murder

was committed in consequence of a private quarrel; it is also

asserted by the Indians, that Semo the Indian, who killed him-

self, was a malicious fellow, who drew the other in some meas-

ure against his will, into a participation in the perpetration of

the murder.

We are also told, that the militia ordered to Detroit, left

Dayton, on the 1st of the present month and that three com-

panies are to be stationed at Sandusky Bay. It may be safely

concluded from the conduct of the Indians living on the borders

of the Connecticut western reserve, and from the cantonment

of so many troops at Sandusky, and Detroit, that little or no

danger is to be apprehended from them in any part of the

Reserve.

Trump of Fame, Warren, Ohio, June 24, 1812.

 

ARMY OF OHIO.

DAYTON, May 28.

The troops have encamped on the western bank of Mad

River, three miles from town. On Monday last, Governor Meigs

surrendered the command to Brigadier General Hull. We have

been furnished with the following account of the proceedings

of the day, which, as it meets with our entire approbation, we

insert in the place of any statement of our own.

 

[COMMUNICATION.]

CAMP MEIGS, WESTERN BANK OF MAD RIVER,

May 16, 1812.

The exertions used by Governor Meigs in collecting the

corps now assembled in this camp, gives him a just claim to

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288      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

the undivided applause of every man attached to the interest

or honor of his country. With unprecedented celerity, he has

collected from almost every part of this state, fifteen hundred

men, and organized them into three regiments. At first un-

furnished with money, and merely holding the executive requisi-

tion, he proceeded to arrange and obey the call. The reiterated

injuries and insults which our country has received, had awak-

ened the feelings and aroused the indigation of the great body

of the people. The public pulse beat high. The spirit of our

citizens was raised. It did not evaporate in empty declamation,

or in idle parade. At the first signal, the young men of our

state, men of character and standing, prepared to abandon the

security and comforts of domestic life, and to encounter the

dangers, privations, and difficulties of an Indian expedition.

They prepared to maintain, by arms, the fair inheritance trans-

mitted to them, and to demonstrate that the interminable for-

ests of the west could neither weaken their attachment, nor

divide their affection from the government of their country.

The duties of the executive then became arduous and important.

On him developed the duty of organizing all, of providing for

all. To him every application was made. The arms and ac-

coutrements, the camp equipage and stores were all to be pro-

vided. The public arsenal at Newport was almost empty. There

were no rifles, no knapsacks, no blankets, no tents, no bullets

nor moulds. In fact, nothing but arms and cartridge boxes,

many of which were good for nothing. In this situation the

Governor made every exertion, and eventually succeeded in

placing the detachment in a situation for marching.

Brigadier General Hull had been selected by the general

government to conduct the expedition. He arrived in Dayton

a few days since, and yesterday Governor Meigs surrendered

to him the command. The regiments of Cols. Findlay and Cass,

were encamped in a prairie three miles from Dayton.

The corps, after a review of parade, formed a close column

when Governor Meigs addressed them as follows:

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              289

Officers and soldiers of the First Army of Ohio:

Collected suddenly and rapidly from various parts of the

state, you have manifested a zeal worthy the character of a

free people. You will soon be completely organized, and I

trust that harmony will forever continue. Already you have

made considerable advances in discipline, you will improve; it

will soon become easy, familiar, and agreeable. Subordination

is the soul of discipline; order, safety, and victory are its re-

sults. Honour consists in an honourable discharge of duty,

whatever may be the rank. Respect each other according to

your stations. Officers, be to your men as parents to children.

Men, regard your officers as fathers. You will soon march,

My heart will always be with you. The prayers of all citizens

will attend you.

By direction of the President of the United States, I have

so far organized and marched you; in his name I thank you.

I feel a great satisfaction in knowing that you are to be

placed under the command and guidance of Brigadier General

Hull, a distinguished officer, of revolutionary experience; who

being Superintendent of Indian affairs, and Chief Magistrate

of the Territory to which you are destined, was happily selected

for the service. His influence and authority there, will enable

him to provide for your convenience. I pray that each may so

conduct, that when you return to the embraces of your friends

and relations, they may be proud to salute you, as one who had,

honourably, belonged to the First Army of Ohio.

The Second Army is organizing, and will follow if neces-

sary.

Our frontier must be protected from savage barbarity, our

rights maintained and our wrongs avenged.

Go then! Fear not! Be strong, quit yourselves like men,

and may the GOD of ARMIES be your shield and buckler.

After which General Hull delivered the following address:

Patriotic Officers and Soldiers of the State of Ohio:

The manner which his Excellency, Governor Meigs, has

delivered over to my command, the part of the army, has excited

sensations I strongly feel, but which it is difficult for me to

express.

Vol. XXVIII-19.

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290      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

His great exertions, and the talents he has displayed in

assembling, organizing, disciplining, and preparing, in every re-

spect, for actual service, so respectable a military force, are

known to you, and will be fully known to his country; this

knowledge of his conduct will be his highest eulogium. Long

may he live, and long may he adorn his elevated station.

The crisis now has arrived, when our country has deemed

it necesary to call into the field, her patriotic sons. The spirit

which has been manifested on this occasion, is highly honorable

to the officers and soldiers, who compose this army and the

section of the union to which you belong. You have exhibited

an example to the elder part of the country, worthy of imita-

tion. Citizens, distinguished for talents and wealth, have made

a voluntary tender of their services, to defend the violated

rights of the nation. Such men are entitled to the fair inheri-

tance, which was purchased by the valour and blood of their

fathers. A country, with such a defense has nothing to fear.

In any possible exigency, it is environed with a bulwark of

safety. To officers and soldiers, who have engaged in the public

service with such honorable and patriotic motives, it is un-

necessary to urge the importance of regularity and discipline,

or the necessity of subordination and obedience to orders. The

same spirit which induced you voluntarily to engage in the serv-

ice of your country, will animate you in the discharge of your

duties.

With patience you will submit to privations and fatigues

incident to a military life, and if you should be called to meet

danger in the field, you will manifest the sincerity of your en-

gagements, by the firmness and bravery of your conduct. In

marching through a wilderness, memorable for savage bar-

barity, you will remember the causes by which that barbarity

has been heretofore excited. In viewing the ground stained

with the blood of your fellow citizens, it will be impossible to

suppress the feelings of indignation. Passing by the ruins of a

fortress erected in our territory by a foreign nation, in times

of profound peace, and for the express purpose of exciting the

savages to hostility and supplying them with the means of con-

ducting a barbarous war must remind you of that system of

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             291

 

oppression and injustice which that nation has continually prac-

ticed, and which the spirit of an indignant people can no longer

endure. If it is impossible that time should obliterate the re-

membrance of past transactions, what will be the impressions

on the present occasion? The wrongs of the same nation have

been continually accumulating, and have at length compelled our

country to put on the armour of safety, and be prepared to

avenge the injuries which have been inflicted.

In a few days, you will be joined by a body of troops of

the United States' army.  Among them, you will have the

pleasure of seeing the Fourth Regiment of infantry, the gal-

lant heroes of Tippecanoe. They will act by your sides, in

your approaching campaign, and while they will be ambitious

to maintain, and if possible, to increase the glory they have

already acquired, your conduct will be stimulated by the splendor

of their example, and you will be inspired with ambition to ac-

quire laurels, at least as brilliant as those they deservedly wear.

That harmony and friendship may pervade this army, and that

glory and fame may attend it in all its movements, are wishes,

in which I am confident you will all heartily join.

Col. Cass, after a few moments of previous consultation

with Col. Findlay, addressed the troops in the following style

of appropriate and well deserved encomium.

Fellow Soldiers:

Let us all uncover and give three cheers, as a testimonial

of the respect which we feel for the talents, zeal, and patriotism

of our worthy Governor, so eminently displayed in the organiza-

tion of this army. We who best know, can best appreciate the

difficulties he has had to encounter; but all can see the success

which has ultimately attended his exertions. We leave him

with sentiments of unfeigned respect, and may the overruling

hand of Providence protect him and us, our beloved families

and our injured country.

Three united acclamations, given with zeal and alacrity,

testified the accordance of the whole corps in the sentiments

advanced, and the opinion which they entertained for the merits

of their chief magistrates.

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292       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Col. Cass then proceeded. And let us also my friends,

again uncover and give three cheers, as a tribute of respect

due to the revolutionary veteran, who has now taken the com-

mand; of those, who fought and bled in achieving our inde-

pendence, but few are left. The cold hand of death has laid

them in the grave. They have gone to rejoin their beloved

commander and their illustrious compatriots, in the realms of

bliss.  Let us be grateful that some are left to conduct us

through the perilous crisis which is approaching, and still more

grateful that we have one to conduct us through this expedition,

whose talents, character, and service entitle him to a distin-

guished place in the affections and confidence of his countrymen.

The regiment unanimously gave their tribute of respect and

proved, by three cheering shouts, the united confidence which

they felt in their commander-in-chief.

The column was then displayed, and the parade dismissed.

Col. McArthur's regiment encamped in the rear of Dayton,

had previously received the same addresses from Governor

Meigs and General Hull.

Col. McArthur returned last evening to his camp, and will

join the grand camp with his regiment immediately.

 

 

[On Tuesday General Hull pitched his tents in Camp Meigs,

on Western bank of Mad River, and on the same day the United

States Flag was hoisted. At the raising of the Flag, the troops

formed a hollow square around the standard, expressive of

their determination not to surrender it, but with their lives.

If they should have occasion to try their prowess in the field, we

trust they will not forget the solemn pledge. After the standard

was erected, Col. Cass delivered the following short, but pertinent

and impressive address.]

Fellow Soldiers:

The standard of your Country is displayed. You have

rallied round it to defend her rights, and avenge her injuries.

May it wave protection to our friends, and defiance to our

enemies. And should we ever meet in the hostile field, I doubt

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              293

not but the Eagle of liberty, which it bears, will be found more

than a match for the Lion of England.

 

 

ZANESVILLE, June 3.

Col. Munson, who is the governor's aid, arrived here on

Sunday with orders to raise three volunteer companies to march

immediately for the protection of our south-western frontiers.

The Shawanee prophet, it is said is moving on with his

whole force towards Greenville, the most frontier post in this

state.

Sixteen hundred volunteer militia are to take the place of

the 4th regiment at Vincennes a part of which have probably

arrived before this.

Governor Scott has also granted permission to any volun-

teer companies who choose to go into other territories and offer

their services to the governors thereof.

We have heard several times that all the young Indian war-

riors had left Greertown, which lies not a great ways from

Mount Vernon, and it is thought have gone to join the prophet.

The report of the Indians having shot a man near N. Lan-

caster is said to have been an attempt by some young men to

scare the person who raised the report. Another dreadful story

we have heard, and which has excited a great deal of sym-

pathy in some people to think of losing any of their red breth-

ren, is that eight Indians were killed in Pickaway county by

the whites, which we believe is entirely without foundation.

The papers at Chillicothe mention nothing of it. And the paper

at Circleville in the same neighborhood, is entirely silent about

it. Any person who is base enough at this time to circulate

such reports for their own diversion and to frighten the de-

fenceless frontiers ought to be punished and set at some better

employ.

 

WASHINGTON, June 5.

Immediately after the house of rperesentatives met on Tues-

day, the doors were closed and remained so for about half an

hour, when they were again opened, and the house adjourned.

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294      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

WAR. The confidential message of the president to Con-

gress, on Monday no doubt related to the subject of war.

Ball. American.

 

 

The message from the President containing a statement of

foreign affairs, which we mentioned on Monday morning, would

take place on the same day, has been realized. The mail of

to-day may or may not disclose the other part, viz., that the

committee of foreign relations will have reported a declaration

of war. If this does not appear, it will be owing to the con-

firming secrecy adopted by the house.

Balt. Fed. Rep.

 

CIRCLEVILLE, May 23.

Some days ago, about thirty of our hardy and heroic citi-

zens and descendents of our revolutionary patriots, volunteered

their services, and marched without a commander from the Wal-

nut creek in this county to Dayton, the place of rendezvous.

Upon their arrival, Major Reed, a republican citizen of Dayton,

invited them to his house, where they partook of a splendid din-

ner, prepared for their reception, at his own expense. From

hunger and fatigue, it seems, as in the land of Egypt, they

found a brother Joseph! They ate and drank till they were

merry in his presence.

 

DAYTON, May 21.

Captain Mansfield's company of light infantry, from Cin-

cinnati, arrived yesterday morning.

The troops at this place, amounting to about fifteen hun-

dred, have divided into three regiments, under the command of

Cols. McArthur, Findlay and Cass.

Captain William Van Cleve's rifle company, of this county,

have volunteered their services to the governor, for the pro-

tection of the frontier. They will march to Greenville in a

few days.

We understand that on Friday last, five or six men who

were covering corn in a field near Greenville, were fired upon

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             295

by five Indians; one of the men was wounded. They instantly

pursued the savages, killed one and wounded another.

 

Extract of a letter from Major Charles Wolverton, to General

Munger, dated Troy, May 14, 1812.

"Captains Westfall and Buchannan have taken seven pris-

oners, (six men and a squaw). I have sent them to John John-

ston, to dispose of as he thinks best. I have detained their

arms and ammunition; they had six guns; four were left in

the woods, hid under the logs. A fresh cow hide made into

tugs, was found with them and several other articles that indi-

cate to us a hostile intention, or at least an intention to steal

horses.

 

Issue of July 1, 1812.

WAR!

A way letter from a gentleman at the city of Washington,

to his friend in Philadelphia, dated on Tuesday last says "THE

WAR BILL has just passed the Senate 19 to 13."

 

June 19, 1812.

Lanc. Journal.

PITTSBURGH, June 25, 1812.

Extract of a letter from Mr. Lacock to a gentleman in this

Town, dated Washington City, June 18, 1812.

"I embrace the first opportunity to inform you that W A R

has this day been declared, and the injunction of secrecy taken

off. This measure passed in the House of Representatives by

a majority of 30, and in Senate 19 to 13. This is an unqualified,

unconditional War, by land and sea, against the United King-

doms of Great Britain and Ireland."

 

The Scioto Gazette, printed at Chillicothe, June 1₉th, says:

"Governor Meigs arrived in town on Wednesday last. He has

politely favoured us with the following information:

"On the 6th inst. Governor Meigs met in council in the

woods near Urbanna, a number of chiefs of the Wyandots,

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296      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

from  Sandusky, Shawanoe and Mingoes, from the Auglaize.

On the 7th the army arrived and encamped near Urbanna. On

the 8th a conference was opened in the camp by the same

chiefs, with governor Meigs and general Hull, at which the

chiefs agreed to permit the army to open a road from Manary's

block-house to the foot of the rapids of the Miami of the Lake,

and erect block-houses on the road.

The 4th United States Regiment was escorted into camp

by the Ohio army on the 10th. A triumphal arch had been

previously erected by the troops in honor of the ₄th Regiment,

which marched under the arch; on the front of the arch was

painted in large letters "Tippecanoe-The Eagle-Glory."

Col. McArthur's regiment marched on the 11th to Ma-

nary's block-house, 20 miles from Urbanna, and were ordered

to proceed into the Indian country, open the road, and erect

block-houses every 20 miles. On the 14th the rest of the army

lay at Urbanna.

 

We are informed that the volunteer corps raised within

the limits of Col. John Campbell's regiment, Portage county,

have received orders, from Governor Meigs to march to San-

dusky to protect the United States store at that place and guard

that part of our frontier and that they will march to-morrow

from Ravenna.

Much praise is due this regiment for their readiness to obey

their country's call. We believe, that even in the patriotic state

of Ohio, and she is second to none in the Union, very few

regiments alone have furnished a complete company of volun-

teers.  Officers and men, without claim, or regard to rank,

volunteered as privates. Col. Campbell, in common with the

private centinel, shouldered his rifle, and took a common lot

for a command in the corps.   He has been honored by the

unanimous suffrage of his fellow soldiers with the captaincy of

the company.

 

By a gentleman just from Cleveland, we are informed, that

Omique the Indian, who was under sentence of death for the

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             297

 

murder of two men committed on Pipe creek, Huron county,

was executed at Cleveland on Friday last. We are informed

that there were no Indians present at the execution. Four com-

panies of militia performed the duties of a military escort on

this occasion.

 

Issue of July 8.

To Men of Patriotism, Courage and Enterprise.

Every able bodied man, from the age of 18 to 45 years, who

shall be enlisted for the term of five years, will be paid a bounty

of SIXTEEN DOLLARS -and whenever he shall have served

the term for which he enlisted, and obtained an honorable dis-

charge, stating that he had faithfully performed his duty whilst

in service, he shall be allowed and paid, in addition to the afore-

said bounty, three months' pay, and ONE HUNDRED and

SIXTY ACRES OF LAND; and in case he should be killed in

action or die in the service, his heirs and representatives, will

be entitled to the said three months' pay, and one hundred and

sixty acres of land, to be designated, surveyed and laid off, at

the public expense.

WILSON ELLIOTT,

Capt. U. States' Army.

Warren, July 6th, 1812.

Place of Rendezvous, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio.

 

Issue of July 15.

We are told that committees of safety are organized along

the shore of Lake Erie, for the purpose of superintending a

patrole, which has been formed for the purpose of patroling

along the lake; both for the purpose of giving timely notice of

any maureding parties which might come on shore, and also to

prevent unnecessary alarms. It is understood that the centinels

give notice to the several committees of any thing which they may

discover, and from them the hue and cry goes to the people.

Any rumor from any other quarter is deemed incorrect.

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We are informed that Gen. Hull has arrived at Detroit with

his army. A wide field of conjecture is now laid before us, upon

what the measure will be, he will adopt. Were we to offer an

opinion, we should say, that an immediate attack is to be made

upon the western part of Upper Canada. The situation of the

Aemrican troops is such, as necessarily to induce such a belief.

A force of 2500 men are already assembled at Detroit. Ac-

cessions of strength are daily making to his army by the march

of men from the northern section of this state. A respectable

force is now assembled at the lower end of lake Erie, it is most

probable, that a simultaneous attack is contemplated by our gov-

ernment at both places. As the U. States have not a sufficient

naval force to command lake Erie; the country on every side

of it must immediately be conquered, or the army at Detroit

cannot be supported. No plan of operations can immediately

be adopted to obtain possession of their naval force, but to drive

them from their lurking holes. We have aready heard of the

capture of four of our vessels on lake Erie; three of them

loaded with provisions, and baggage for the army. Supplies

must either be carried across lake Erie from the states of New

York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, or come by land at an immense

expense, and in very inconsiderable quantities from the western

part of the state of Ohio. To transport supplies a distance of

one hundred and fifty miles through a wilderness country for

the support of so large a force, will handly be done for any

length of time. If Maiden has not already fallen, yet the United

States must have full possession of the whole of the shore of

lake Erie so long before the commencement of winter, as that

the army can receive supplies by water, or they will be driven

away by famine.

 

 

Extract of a letter to gentleman in this town, dated Painesville,

July 7, 1812.

"Sir, please to send by the bearer all the powder and lead

you have.-We are informed that the British have captured

three of our vessels near Malden, to-wit, the Amelia, Contrac-

tor, and Cuyahoga-Packet. The packet was loaded with bag-

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             299

gage to Hull's army, and some officers of the army; the other

two loaded with provisions for said army; the men are all con-

fined at Malden. -The above information we received from

an express from Detroit on his way to Buffaloe-he went in

consequence of the above captures. The provision was for the

army - he says they will be in a state of starvation before pro-

visions can be had, as it must go by land."

 

Issue of July 22.

(From the Muskingum Messenger.)

The following proceedings of a council has been forwarded to

us by order of the governor. The council was held in the

woods, surrounded by 500 citizens of Champaign and other

counties.

PROCEEDINGS

Of a council begun and held near Urbana, Champaign

county, Ohio, on Saturday the 6th of June, 1812, between his

excellency Return Jonathan Meigs, esq. governor and com-

mander-in-chief in and over the state of Ohio, and Ta-he

[Tarhe], (or Crane, principal chief,) Sha-na-to, Scutush, Ma-

na-han, Dew-e-sew (or Big River,) chiefs of the Wyandots,

Cat-a-we-pa-so (or Black Hoof), Cut-awe-pa, (or Lewis,) Pi-

a-ge-ha, Pi-ta-na-ge, Kit-e-kish-e-mo, Na-sa-ha-co-the, chief of

the Shawanoese, Ma-tha-me, (or Civil John), of the Mingoes.

His excellency addressed the chiefs as follows:-

My red brothers, chiefs of the Wyandots, Shawanoes, and

Mingoes, I thank the Great Spirit that he has permitted us to

come together where we can talk freely and sincerely. As

father of the people of the state of Ohio, who live as neighbors

to you, I speak.

Brothers--Ever since the treaty of Greenville, we have

lived in peace and fulfilled all the promises then made to you.

We wish always to live in peace with you; it is because we

love peace, and not because we fear war. The Wyandots,

Shawanoes, and Mingoes, are brave nations, and brave men will

not break their promises.

Brothers -Our great father, the President of the United

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300      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

States, whose eye equally regards all his children, desires that

you should live as we live, to raise your provision, and provide

for your families.

Brothers-- Open your ears; listen to what I say; I speak

from my heart. Bad men and liars have endeavored to break

the chain of friendship. If you hearken to the deceiver called

the Prophet, and the mad man, Tecumseh, his brother, your

skies will be cloudy, your paths will be dark, and you will tread

on thorns. The pretended Prophet has cheated some of dif-

ferent tribes. He does not communicate with the Great Spirit;

his councils are foolish, and have stained the land with blood.

The Great Spirit delights in seeing all his children live in peace,

and smiles upon them when they do so; but he frowned on the

Prophet at Tippecanoe and his deluded followers were de-

stroyed. Beware, then.

Brothers - Open your ears. An army of my own children,

of fifteen hundred men, under the command of general Hull,

the father of the Michigan territory, is marching; but, brothers,

be not alarmed, although his arm is strong, he will strike none

but his enemies.

Brothers - Listen to me attentively. - Your young men

sometimes go rashly out of the true path, and do mischief, and

go to war without your permission. You are their chiefs and

they must obey you. You must restrain them, so that your

wives and children may sleep in peace and the innocent not

suffer for the acts of the guilty.

His excellency then addressed himself particularly Ta-he,

the principal chief of the Wyandots, and taking him by the

hand continued:

My brother Ta-he-Twenty-one years ago I came from

the Ohio to you at Sandusky, through the wilderness; you took

me to your cabin; I was faint, and you refreshed me; I was

hungry and you fed me. I will now feed you, and will shew

you the friendship which my people shewed your people last

winter. After the battle of the Wabash many hundreds of

men, women and children came among us, even to the bank of

the great river, to hunt.  I sent messages to my children

everywhere to treat your men, women and children with kind-

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             301

ness, and not to molest them, because I told them you had a

right to come among us by the treaty of Greenville. Not one of

all those who came among us was injured. They tarried all

winter, and returned to their towns in safety; and by that treaty

you must abide.

Brothers--I will not deceive you. The Great Spirit who

shakes the earth wills that I tell you nothing but the truth. If

you hold fast to the treaties you have made, the United States

will hold them fast on their part; but the tomahawk must not

be stained with the blood of my children; if it is, it shall be

wrested from you, and sunk in the bottom of the great lakes.

If you join the enemies of the U. States, there will be no peace

for you.

Brothers-I lay my hand on my heart and assure you,

that if you are faithful, you shall be protected. It is promised,

and it shall be fulfilled.

Brothers--You have listened to my voice, I will now to

yours.

Ta-he, after three hours spent in private consultation with

the chiefs of the different nations, spoke as follows:

Brother-We suppose that the Great Spirit has ordered

that we come together on this day. We have not met to make

known our friendship towards you. We thank the Great Spirit

that so many of us have been able to come together at this time,

and that we can talk one with another. The Great Spirit placed

us here as brothers, and, as we believe, requires that we live

together as brothers ought to do. If we are willing to live in

friendship with each other, he will permit us so to remain. I

have heard often of our great father, the President of the

United States. I have never seen him, but I hope that not only

ourselves but that he also will be of the same mind.

Brother-Listen; we have come to talk with you. We

have heard you, and we wish that you would hear us. I hope

that not only you, but that our great grandfather the President

of the United States will also listen, as we expect that he will

hear what we have to say at this time.

Brother--I have not much to say about the treaty of

which you have been talking. I believe I remember, and have

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302      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

kept that treaty, and hope the Great Spirit will help me always

to keep it. When our father, general Wayne, and ourselves,

made that treaty, we talked about it together; we then said that

the treaty, should never be broken, that we would always be

at peace, that our women and children might remain at rest;

we talked that we were old, and would not long stay here, but

that we should teach our young men always to keep it. This

is all I have to say, brother, for myself.

Brother-We are only from a few nations who are here;

but I will now speak to you for them. This (handing his ex-

cellency a bit of white wampum) is a token of peace. We have

received it from the Great Spirit. It is clean and pure, and is

unstained with the blood of any white man.

Brothers-The eye of the Great Spirit is not only on all

our actions, but sees our hearts. He did not place us here to

quarrel, but to live in peace with one another. We ought so

to talk and have his name in our hearts. We can only speak

to you for ourselves; a number of my people are a great way

off; those who are near me I speak for.

Brother, I wish you to understand me, we wish for peace.

We will not listen to bad men and liars, and we pray the Great

Spirit to shut our ears against them.

Brother- Here are the chiefs of the Wyandot, Shawanoese

and Mingoes. We answer only for ourselves. We are all of

one mind -we all wish for peace. Brother we are not telling

you any lies, and I hope that you and our great father, the presi-

dent of the United States, will think so.-The Great Spirit knows

our hearts, and knows that we are sincere. We may deceive

you, but we cannot deceive him. Brother, this is all I have to

say. I hope our father, general Hull, will soon be here; I wish

to speak to him and to you together as brothers. I hope that

he may succeed, and that if he should meet with any enemies

he may overcome them.

Black Hoof then spoke.

Father-I shake hands with you in friendship. You have

heard Ta-he. What he has said, we have to say. We are all

as one.

• 17
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.             303

 

Father--I have got my instructions which I received from

my great father, the president of the United States; I make

them my study, and walk in the path which he pointed out,

without turning to the right or left. It is the wish of me and

of all my nation to be at peace with you, to be frugal, and indus-

trious, that we may provide for our women and children. I

hope the Great Spirit will admit the white people and me and

my people to shut their ears against liars and all bad men. I

intended to keep the directions of our great father, the presi-

dent, and all those who have authority under him. I look to

you as to one of my great fathers, who will point out the road

in which I have to walk. From the place in which your people

have placed you - from your standing among them - and from

your gray hairs, I think you have wisdom to direct me, and

I shall listen to what you say. I am glad you came here. I

hope you will help us to be at peace, and take under your protec-

tion ourselves, our women and our children, as you do your

white children, and as you think best with them. Your red chil-

dren are poor but their hearts are good. I am very happy to

see our father and brothers. I am happy to shake hands with

you, and you may rest assured they shall never be parted. The

writings and instructions I received from my great father, the

president, I carry with me when I go abroad. I have them

when I remain at home, and when I sleep I lay them under my

pillow. You have heard the Wyandots- you have heard me-

I have heard you. I (handing another white wampum) give

you this from my heart, as a token of peace. I have done. I

thank you.

Lewise then spoke.

I have only a few words to say, father. I have heard some-

thing from you this day satisfactory to me. It appears that by

the dispensation of Providence we have met in peace at this

time. I trust the Great Spirit is now looking down and will

witness the sincerity of my heart in what I am going to say.

It is true what Ta-he has said; and I also take my direction

from the seventeen fires which are burning throughout this

union, and from the president of the United States. I am but

a stripling in comparison with my aged fathers who have spoke

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304       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

before me, but I can speak the sentiments of my heart. When

I went to my father, the president, and secretary of war, I re-

ceived my instructions from them, and although the heavens

should fall asunder and the earth open beneath, I will not part

with them, or wander from the path which they pointed out.

Father--I have heard what you have said and am glad

in my heart. I shall take every means to prevent my young

men from disturbing the whites, in any manner. This is all I

have to say, I have and will follow the instructions of my father,

the president, the secretary of war, and of yourself.

Gov. Meigs then told them Gen. Hull would arrive the next

day -he would then take their hands and place them in Gen.

Hull's, to which they assented. The council broke up.

Attest.

JASON CURTIS,

HENRY BACON,

Secretaries.

 

(From the Western Spy)

We are indebted to the politeness of William Ruffin, esq.,

postmaster in this place, for the following extract of a letter,

together with the annexed speeches, from his correspondence,

dated,

FORT WAYNE, May 25, 1812.

"I herewith transmit you the speeches delivered in general

council, at Massassinway, on the 15th May, 1812, where the

named tribes respectively were represented, which I have tran-

scribed from the original as translated by Capt. Wells. You

can use them as you think proper.

"The agent at this post has been counselling with delega-

tion from the Massassinway council for three days, the result

of which I suppose, will appear in print."

A sketch of the different Indian speeches, delivered at a

grand council, at Massassinway, on the Wabash, on the 15th

May, 1812; where the following tribes were represented: -

Wyandotts, Chippaways, Ottoways, Puttawattamies, Delawares,

Miamies, Eel River Miamies, Weas, Piankashaw, Shawanoes,

and Winabagoes.

• 19
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.             305

The council was opened by the Wyandots with the following

speeches.

Elder Brothers - You that reside on the Wabash, listen to

what I say; and in order that you may distinctly hear, and

clearly understand our words, we now open your ears and place

your hearts in the same position that they were placed in by

the Great Spirit when he created you.

Young Brothers-We are sorry to see your paths filled

with thorns and briars, and your land covered with blood; our

love for you has caused us to come and clear your paths and

wipe the blood off your land, and take the weapons, that have

spilled this blood, from you, and put them where you can never

reach them again.

Younger Brothers - This is done by the united voices of

all your Elder Brothers that you now see present, and who are

determined to not be disobeyed. This determination by your

Elder Brothers, to put an entire stop to the effusion of your

blood; has met with the approbation of our Fathers, the British,

who had advised all the red people to be quiet and not meddle

in quarrels that may take place between the white people.

Tecumseh, the Prophet's brother, replied.

Elder Brothers-We have listened with attention to what

you have said to us. We thank the Great Spirit for inclining

your hearts to pity us-We now pity ourselves-our hearts

are good; they never were bad. Governor Harrison made war

on my people in my absence -it was the will of God he should

do so. We hope it will please God that the white people may let

us live in peace; we will not disturb them; neither have done

it except when they come to our village with the intention of

destroying us. We are happy to state to our brothers present,

that the unfortunate transaction that took place between the

white people and a few of the young men, at our village, is

settled between us and governor Harrison; and I will further

state, had I been at home there would have been no blood shed

at that time.

We are sorry that the same respect has not been paid to

the agreement between us and governor Harrison, by our

Vol. XXVIII--20.

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306      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

brothers, the Puttawattamies; however, we are not accountable

for the conduct of those over whom we have no control; let the

chiefs of that nation exert themselves, and cause their warriors

to behave themselves as we have and will continue to do ours.

Should the bad acts of our brothers, the Puttawattamies,

draw on us the ill will of our white brothers, and they should

come again and make an unprovoked attack on us at our vil-

lage; we will die like men, but we will never strike the first blow.

 

The Puttawattamies spoke.

We are glad it should please the Great Spirit for us to

meet today, and incline our hearts for peace.

Some of the foolish young men of our tribe, that have for

some winters past, ceased to listen to the voice of their chiefs,

and follow the counsel of the Shawanoe, that pretended to be

a Prophet, have killed some of our white brothers this spring,

at different places; we believe that they were encouraged in this

mischief by the pretended Prophet, who we know has taken

pains to detach them from their own chiefs and attach them to

himself. We have no control over these few vagabonds and

consider them not belonging to our nation, and will be thankful

to any people that will put them to death wherever they are

found- as they are bad people and have learnt to be so from

the pretended Prophet, and as he has been the cause of setting

those people on our white brothers, we hope he will be active

in reconciling them. As we all hear him say his heart is in-

clined for peace, we hope we may all see his declaration sup-

ported by his future conduct, and that all our women and chil-

dren may lie down to sleep without fear. The future conduct

of the Puttawattamies will evince the great desire they have

to effect this desirable object.

 

Tecumseh replied.

It is true we have endeavored to give all our brothers good

advice; if they have not listened to it, we are sorry for it. We

defy a living creature to say we ever advised any one, directly

or indirectly, to make war on our white brothers.

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              307

 

It has constantly been our misfortune to have our views

misrepresented to our white brethren; this has been done by

pretended chiefs of the Puttawatamies and others that have

been in the habit of selling land to the white people that did not

belong to them.

 

Tecumseh was then called to order by the Delawares, who said-

We have not met at this place to listen to such words. The

red people have been killing the whites, and the just resentment

of the latter is raised against the former. Our white brethren

are on their feet and their guns are in their hands. There is no

time for us to tell each other, you have done this and you have

done that; if there was, we would tell the Prophet that both red

and white people have felt the bad effects of his counsel. Let

us all join our hearts and heads together and proclaim peace

throughout the land of the red people. Let us make our voices

heard and respected, and rely on the justice of our brethren.

 

The Miamics spoke as follows-

We feel happy that we appear of one mind; that we all see

that it would be our immediate ruin to go to war with the white

people.

We, the Miamies, have not hurt our white brethren since the

treaty of Greenville. We would be glad if all the other nations

present could say the same.   We will cheerfully join our

brethren for peace, but we will not join them for war against

the white people.

We hope our brothers, the Puttawatamies, Shawanoes,

Kickapoos, and Winebagoes, will keep their warriors in good

order, and learn them to pay more respect to their women and

children, than they have done by going and murdering the inno-

cent white people. The white people are entitled to satisfac-

tion; it is the interest of the Indians to give it to them imme-

diately. Let us do justice to our white brethren, and expect

justice from them; by doing this, we shall insure the future

peace and happiness of our men, women and children.

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308      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Then the Kickapoos spoke-

Elder Brothers-- We your younger brothers, have listened

to all you have said, with attention. It only remains for us to

say, that we are glad to hear you say you have pity on our

women and children, and wish to stop the effusion of our blood.

-We have settled our disputes with Governor Harrison, and

are sorry the Puttawatamies have not acted more like men than

they have done by killing the white people after we had made

peace with them.

We have not two faces, and despise the people that have.

The peace we have made with Governor Harrison, we will

strictly adhere to, and trouble no person, and hope no person

will trouble us.

The above is a correct translation.

WILLIAM WELLS.

May 26, 1812.

 

 

 

HIGHLY IMPORTANT.

Extract of a letter from John S. Edwards, Esq., of this

town, to the Editor, Dated Huron, July 16, 1812.

On Monday, the 6th of July, General Hull arrived with his

army at Detroit, on Saturday night, the 11th of July, he crossed

over to Sandwich, on the Canada shore, sixteen miles above Mal-

den, with two thousand men, and took possession of it, without

bloodshed, at which place, he was by the last advices fortifying.

The British have collected all their forces at Maiden, where

it appears, they are determined to make a stand. They have

two hundred and fifty regular troops, seven hundred militia;

about four hundred Indians. The country about Maiden, is in

the greatest state of alarm, and distress possible; all the men of

that region, have been drove into the garrison at Maiden; and

a great proportion of them at the point of the bayonet.

The British are engaged in putting all their most valuable

effects, on board of their vessels; prepared to go down the lake,

provided they should be drove to extremes.

The Indians are waiting to see the event of the contest be-

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              309

fore they take a stand. And nothing is to be feared from them

in this quarter, unless General Hull should be beaten.

I would further add, that on the 5th of July, the British

began to throw up breastworks opposite Detroit, from which

place they were driven from the firing from Detroit; they then

went down the river three miles, and began throwing up an-

other breastwork, from which place they were again driven by

a fire from some pieces of ordnance, that were taken from

Detroit, and planted opposite to the spot where they were

fortifying.

All speak in the highest terms, of the order, discipline,

and spirit of the troops under Gen. Hull, and the most favor-

able result is anticipated from their operations.

 

By WILLIAM HULL,

Brigadier General, and Commander-in-Chief of the North-

western Army of the United States.

 

A PROCLAMATION.

Inhabitants of Canada!  After thirty years of peace and

prosperity, the United States have been driven to arms. The

injuries and aggressions, the insults and indignities of G.

Britain, have once more left them no alternative but manly

resistance, or unconditional submission. The army under my

command has invaded your country, and the standard of the

UNION now waves over the Territory of Canada. To the

peaceable, unoffending inhabitant, it brings neither danger nor

difficulty. I come to find enemies, not to make them. I come

to protect, not to injure you.

Separated by an immense ocean, and an extensive wilder-

ness, from G. Britain, you have no participation in her councils,

no interest in her conduct. You have felt her tyranny, you

have seen her injustice; but I do not ask you to avenge the one

or to redress the other. The U. States are sufficiently powerful

to afford you every security, consistent with their rights, and

your expectations.  I tender you the invaluable blessings, of

civil, political and religious liberty, and their necessary result,

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310      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

individual and general prosperity; -that liberty which gave

decision to our councils and energy, to our conduct, in our

struggle for Independence, and which conducted us safely and

triumphantly through the stormy period of the Revolution:-

that liberty which has raised us to an elevated rank among the

nations of the world, and which has afforded us a greater

measure of peace and security, of wealth and improvement,

than ever fell to the lot of any people.

In the name of my country, and by the authority of my

government, I promise you protection to your persons, prop-

erty and rights. Remain at your homes. Pursue your peaceful

and customary avocations. Raise not your hands against your

brethren. Many of your fathers fought for the freedom and

independence we now enjoy. Being children, therefore, of the

same family with us, and heirs to the same heritage; the arrival

of an army of friends must be hailed by you with a cordial

welcome. You will be emancipated from tyranny and oppres-

sion, and restored to the dignified station of freemen. Had I

any doubt of eventual success, I might ask your assistance, but

I do not. I come prepared for every contingency. I have a

force which will look down all opposition, and that force is but

the vanguard of a much greater. If contrary to your own

interests, and the just expectation of my country, you should

take part in the approaching contest, you will be considered and

treated as enemies, and the horrors and calamities of war will

stalk before you.

If the barbarous and savage policy of G. Britain be pur-

sued, and the savages are let loose to murder our citizens, and

butcher our women and children, this war will be a war of

extermination.

The first stroke of a tomahawk, the first attempt with the

scalping-knife, will be the signal for one indiscriminate scene

of desolation. No white man found fighting by the side of an

Indian will be taken prisoner. Instant destruction will be his lot.

If the dictates of reason, duty, justice and humanity cannot

prevent the employment of a force which respects no rights,

and knows no wrong, it will be prevented by a severe and

relentless system of retaliation.

• 25
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              311

I doubt not your courage and firmness. I will not doubt

your attachment to liberty. If you tender your services volun-

tarily, they will be accepted readily.

The United States offer you peace, liberty and security.

Your choice lies between these and war, slavery and destruc-

tion. Choose then, but choose wisely; and may HE, who knows

the justice of our cause, and who holds in HIS hand the fate

of Nations, guide you to a result the most compatible with your

rights and interests, your peace and prosperity.

WILLIAM HULL.

 

 

Issue of August 5.

CHILLICOTHE PATRIOTISM!

CHILLICOTHE, July 25.

Late on Saturday evening last an Express arrived in town

with a letter from Gen. Hull, to Governor Meigs, stating that

the army was very deficient in provisions, that Mr. Piatt was

authorized to furnish a supply for two months, and that the

communication must be preserved by the militia of this state

or the army would perish for the want of provisions. The

letter concludes with saying, "We have the fullest confidence

that you will do all in your power to prevent so distressing a

calamity." A letter was, at the same time, received from the

contractor, stating, that provisions were deposited at Urbana,

ready to be packed on horses, but that he should be obliged

to wait for a convoy of troops to protect it, and open a new

road: as the old one is almost impassable. At the time the

above despatches were received, the Governor was at his resi-

dence in Marietta. The next morning (Sunday) they were

opened by the secretary of state; and immediately on their

contents being made known the drum beat to arms. It is with

peculiar pleasure we record the patriotic spirit displayed by

our citizens on the occasion. After marching through the streets

a short time, between 60 and 70 volunteers stepped into the

ranks at the call. No distinction of party or profession was

known--the federalist, the republican, the farmer, the me-

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312      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

chanic, the lawyer and the merchant indiscriminately deter-

mined to shoulder muskets, and brave every danger to relieve

their fellow countrymen who are now in Canada.

On Monday morning the company paraded at the court

house, when they elected Henry Brush, Captain, William Beach,

Lieutenant, and John Stockton, Ensign, and then drew their

arms.  Being without uniform they instantly agreed upon a

suitable one for the purpose, immediately purchased the stuff,

and through the exertions of the ladies they were all completed

before evening. In the meantime the rest of the citizens were

not idle-moulds being first made, some were engaged in

moulding bullets, some in moulding buckshot, and some in

making cartridges. Before evening, near 2,000 cartridges, each

containing a ball and three buckshot, were made, and other

necessaries, such as provisions, canteens, knapsacks, blankets

and other camp equipage provided, all at the expense of private

individuals. Early the next morning they started for Urbana,

accompanied by the citizens, in regular march, a few miles out

of town. -Thus in less than 24 hours, a large company of

volunteers was raised, completely equipped, and on their march

through a hostile and wilderness country. The zeal and prompti-

tude displayed by our citizens on this occasion deserve the

highest encomiums; although they did not illuminate, and dis-

turb the peace of society by mobs and rejoicings when they

received the Declaration of War: yet they have exhibited that

true spirit of patriotism, which, when required, steps forth

with alacrity, to defend her country's rights. -It will be recol-

lected this is the fourth company who have volunteered their

services and are now in actual service, from this town and its

vicinity-two of whom are now in Canada. Another com-

pany of mounted riflemen, from the vicinity of this place, met

for the purpose of volunteering their services on the present

occasion, had the Governor been here to accept of them. Let

each state follow the example of Ohio, especially Chillicothe

and its vicinity, and the contest in which we are engaged will

soon come to an honorable termination.

• 27
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              313

An express mail, now, passes through this town, [Warren]

from Washington to Detroit; as this mail goes upwards of an

hundred miles a day, and is opened in this town, our subscribers

may expect the earliest intelligence, both from Washington and

Detroit, at present the principal seat of war, on land.

 

Issue of August 19.

FROM CHILLICOTHE, AUG. 8.

We understand that Gen. Winchester has received orders

to reinforce Gen. Hull with 1,500 men. This detachment will

consist of Kentucky volunteers, and regulars recruited under

the late act of Congress. One hundred regulars will go from

this state. *  *  *

Capt. Sutton and Ensign Van Horn arrived in town last

evening from   Canada.  They left the American army on

Wednesday. We are sorry to say that Michilimachinac, which

lies about 300 miles above Detroit, has been taken by the

British and Indians. The forces consisted of about 1,000--

and the fortress was taken by surprise. The American army

is in no want of provisions. Its lines are within a few miles

of Fort Maiden. Several skirmishes have taken place, in some

of which the Americans were successful, in other British were

victorious. We understand that Gov. Meigs will immediately

order out a considerable body of volunteers and militia to

Detroit.

Avery Powers, quartermaster sergeant in McArthur's reg-

iment, is among those that are killed. His family, which con-

sists of a wife and several children, resides in Franklinton.

Twenty-eight miles this side of Detroit Capt. Sutton found

two men dead and scalped. One of whom was his own son.

A small party of Indians was seen afterwards in the woods.

Capt. Sutton and his party escaped without injury.

The second company of Chillicothe volunteers, were met

at Fort Findlay, and expected to reach Detroit on the 10th inst.

The company, then consisted of about an hundred men. They

were well and in good spirits. We do not calculate to hear of

an attack on Fort Malden.

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314       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Mr. Lyons, who started from this place with letters for

Detroit, has stopped at the river Raisin, on account of some

Indian alarms.

 

Extract of a letter from Captain Ulry, of the army of Ohio,

to a gentleman in this town, dated Sandwich, July 26, 1812.

We have had four engagements with the Indians and

British. The first time we beat them back and took the ground.

The other three times, we had to retreat without the loss of a

man, only two slightly wounded-one out of Capt. Fryat's

company, and the other out of Capt. Cunnigham's.

Yesterday we had a warm engagement with a few of our

men under the command of Major James Denny, particularly

with the Indians, but had to leave the ground with the loss of

three men out of our regiment, and we killed, it is supposed,

twelve Indians, and took a British captain prisoner.

 

Gen. Perkins has ordered a muster of the commissioned

and staff-officers of the 3d brigade, 4th division, Ohio militia,

to be held at the house of Asahel Adams, in Liberty, on the

2nd and 3d days of September. Also, that the field-officers

appear with their side-arms, and the captains, subalterns and

staff-officers with muskets, and that they perform camp-duty

during the night.

 

The court of common pleas for this County will commence,

at Warren, on the 7th of Sept. next, and will afford an oppor-

tunity to all those aliens who have not filed the declaration of

their intention to become citizens, to come forward and comply

with the provisions of the naturalization laws.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

July 7th, 1812.

NOTICE.

All British subjects within the U. States are required forth-

with to report to the Marshals (or the persons to be appointed

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              315

by them) of the respective states or territories, within which

they may reside, their names, their age, the time they have

been in the United States, the persons composing their fami-

lies, the places of their residence, and their occupations or

pursuits; and whether, and at what time, they have made the

application to the courts required by law, as preparatory to

their naturalization-and the Marshals respectively, are to

make to the Department of State, returns of all such British

subjects with the above circumstances annexed to their names.

 

Issue of August 26.

 

TREMENDOUS STORM.

Extract of a letter from a gentleman near Xenia (State

of Ohio) to the Editor of the Reporter, dated July 6, 1812.

"A severe storm passed through Darke, Montgomery and

Greene counties, on Saturday the 27th ult. Its course was

nearly east. Everything in its course was destroyed or blown

down; trees, fences, houses, etc.  Two children were killed

near Greenville, and many persons were wounded, some of

whom, it is thought, are dangerous. -Many horses, cattle and

hogs have been killed; squirrels and birds are found dead in

vast numbers; branches of trees, leaves, flax, sheaves of grain,

etc., fell in showers for several miles on each side of the storm;

many of the branches of trees were carried to a great height

in the air, and their leaves frozen, and some were found with

icicles hanging to them; large trees were whirled in the air

and carried several hundred yards--corn and wheat was tore

out of the earth, and the surface of the ground carried away.

One of the gable ends of my house, which was of brick, was

blown down, as also every log building on the farm, and the

shingles and timbers carrier a great distance -many farmers are

ruined; it has injured me one thousand dollars at least. The

breadth of the storm was from one-fourth to half a mile. It

was accompanied with a noise like continued thunder, and a

darkness in the air almost equal to night. I have heard of it

for sixty miles west, and how much farther it extends I know

not. Cypress, pines, laurel and chestnut branches were found

• 30
 

316      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

near this, and no such timber grows within 100 miles in the

direction it came!"

 

 

 

IMPORTANT.

We have been politely favored with the following account

of the surrender and capitulation of our North Western Army,

under command of Brigadier General Hull.

 

HEAD QUARTERS, AT DETROIT, 16th Aug., 1812.

General Orders.

It is with pain and anxiety that Brigadier General Hull

announces to the North Western Army, that he has been com-

pelled from a sense of duty, to agree to the following articles

of capitulation:

CAMP DETROIT, Aug. 16, 1812.

Capitulation for the surrendering of Fort Detroit, entered

into between Major General Brock, commanding his Britanic

Majesty's forces, on the one part, and Brigadier General Hull,

commanding the Northwestern Army of the U. S. on the other

part.

1st. Fort Detroit, with all the troops, regulars as well as

militia, will be immediately surrendered to the British forces,

under the command of Major General Brock, and will be con-

sidered prisoners of war, with the exceptions of such of the

militia of the Michigan Territory, who have not joined the

army.

2nd. All public stores, arms, and all public documents,

including everything else of a public nature, will be immediately

given up.

₃d. Private persons and private property of every de-

scription will be respected.

₄th. His Excellency Brigadier General Hull, having ex-

pressed a desire that a detachment from the state of Ohio, on

its way to join his army, as well as one sent from Fort De-

troit, under the command of Col. McArthur, should be included

in the above capitulation. It is accordingly agreed to. It is

however to be understood that such part of the Ohio militia

• 31
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.             817

 

as have not joined the army will be permitted to return home,

on condition that they will not serve during the war; their

arms, however, will be delivered up, if belonging to the public.

5th. The garrison will march out at twelve o'clock this

day, and the British forces will take immediate possession of

the fort.

J. McDONEL,

Lt. Col., M. P. A. D. C.

J. B. GEGG,

Approved.                             Major, A. D. C.

WM. HULL, B. Gen.

Commanding the N. W. Army.

JAMES MILLER, Lt. Col.

5th U. S. Regt.

E. BRUSH, Col. 1st Regt.

Michigan Militia.

Approved.

ISAAC BROCK, Maj. Gen.

 

The army at twelve o'clock this day, will march out at

the east gate, where they will stack their arms, and will be then

subject to the articles of capitulation.

WM. HULL, B. Genl. Com.

 

We are informed by the express who favored us with the

above articles, that Gen. Hull gave up the fort with very little

resistance, that there were but seven men killed.  Our in-

formant saw but about 100 of the Ohio volunteers, who arrived

at Cleaveland on the 23d inst., and who were set at liberty

by the British commanders, after surrendering their arms with-

out being restrained from again entering into the service--

that the regiment under command of Col. McArthur did not

think proper to surrender themselves to the British arms, but

have made their escape, and are retreating with their arms,

etc., towards Urbana, Ohio--that he saw an express pass

through Cleaveland with the dispatches from Gen. Dearborn

to Gen. Hull, who says that an armistice has been agreed upon

between him (Gen. Dearborn) and the governor of Canada.

• 32
 

318      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Verbal information was received here on the 22nd instant,

stating the capture of Gen. Hull and his army. In consequence

of which, orders were issued to the commanding officers of

each regiment in the 3d brigade, 4th division of the Ohio

militia, to have one-half of the effective men under their re-

spective commands in the field, completely equipped, and ready

for a tour of duty. In obedience to which orders, about 200

of the drafted militia under the command of Col. John S.

Edwards marched from this place on the 24th inst., destined

for Cleaveland; about 1 o'clock, p. m. the drums beat for volun-

teers; a number of our most respectable citizens immediately

turned out; before 5, a company was raised, equipped, had

chosen their officers, and on their march.

We also understand, that the quota of men required of

Col. William  Rayen of the 1st regiment and Col. Richard

Hays of the 3d regiment are on their march.

The drafts made, in pursuance of the requisition of the

governor some time ago, consisting of one company of artillery

equipped with one 8-pounder and two companies of infantry,

commanded by Major William     W. Cotgreave, leave town

this day.

We further learn that subsequent orders have been issued

by the general of the 4th division, to have all the effective men

in the 4th brigade brought into the field.

 

 

Issue September 2.

We last week announced to our readers the disagreeable

news of the surrender of Detroit, and its dependencies to the

enemy. We are happy to say that this great misfortune did not

happen in consequence of any fault in our government, but in

the treason of the infamous Hull. All accounts agree in ascrib-

ing our loss to the treachery of the commander. Cols. Cass and

M'Arthur, together with about an hundred of the brave volun-

teers of this state, landed, a few days since, at Cleaveland. Col.

Cass has gone on to Washington. We are informed that at

the surrender of the place, the American force was greatly su-

perior to the British. The army was supplied with every nec-

• 33
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.               319

essary, and a large convoy of provisions was at the Miami of

the lakes, under the command of Capt. Brush, waiting for an

additional number of men to escort it on to Detroit. It is said

that this party have made good their retreat to Urbana.

 

Major General Wadsworth      has established  his head-

quarters at Cleaveland, and pushed forward a body of troops

under the command of Brigadier General Perkins, to Huron.

The detachment, from the brigade under the command of Gen.

Bell, have been ordered to Mansfield. The unfortunate prison-

ers belonging to this state, who surrendered at Detroit, are daily

coming into Cleaveland. All accounts concur in the establish-

ment of the treachery of Gen. Hull. But, we trust, if the gov-

ernment of the United States will put arms in our hands, that

the patriotic militia of Ohio, will soon take abundant satisfac-

tion. As soon as the news of the fall of Detroit was confirmed,

every man ran to arms, old and young, without distinction of

politics, repaired to the post of danger-no man waited for

the cold formality of the reception of orders, but every one,

exempt or not from military duty put on his armour.

 

Issue September 9.

Capt. Brush has arrived safe at Chillicothe from the river Raisin.

CHILLICOTHE, August 25.

Extract of a letter from a gentleman of respectability and

high standing, dated Sandwich, Upper Canada, Aug. 9, 1812,

to his friend in this place.

"As for news I have little of interest to give you-Our

army remains idle and inert, though anxious to be active. Like

a body without a head it remains in statu quo--you will not

understand me as wishing to convey an idea that our army is

without a head, for what it wants in head, it has in Hull.

'There was a vain old man when he scarce could walk alone,

That from his shoulder undertook to heave a huge round stone

But fatal the exertion prov'd, as consequences shew,

His sinews crack'd, he broke his back, John Anderson my Joe.'

• 34
 

320      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

It is not my wish or intention to stigmatize the character

of any man; but I fear that government has been extremely

unfortunate in its choice of a Brigadier General for the North

Western Army. I dare not say that H-l is a dangerous man,

but every day's experience tells us in the plainest language that

energy is wanting, and that integrity and plighted honor are

overwhelmed by the torrent of interest and the ties of close

consanguinity, which exists in this province. Had our army

been commanded by any other general than Hull, I feel con-

fident that we would now be in possession of Maiden. Three or

four times have detachments from M'Arthur's regiment, been

called out to go to the bridge over Aux Canard to observe the

movements of the enemy at that place, five miles from Maiden

-Not more than 150 men were called out at any time for that

purpose. - The consequences were that we have had three

skirmishes with the enemy--In the last we lost 5 men killed

or taken prisoners by the Indians. To a prejudiced mind, even

these things might be construed to mean that our army is to

be sacrificed by the Indians and the British by piecemeal. The

fact is, contrary policy would have a contrary effect: Su-

peranuation and stubborn imbecility, poor excuses for indiscre-

tion. There are men in the army who would lead it to Maiden

with the same spirit that animated Montgomery. -Why are

the officers so diffident in electing from among themselves a

commander whose enterprising spirit would ensure victory to

their arms?

 

Extract of a letter from an officer of high rank in the Ohio

army, to the Editor.

"To speak of our beloved Col. M'Arthur I cannot do him

justice--he claims more from his country for his meritorious

exertions in organizing the corps under his command than my

feeble pen can describe. If you were not acquainted with my

oppenness of sentiment, I should have had a reluctance to speak

so freely of his merit-I esteem him much: Never was an

officer so universally respected by his soldiers. - If he continues

to merit their confidence, the happiest effects will result from

it."

• 35
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              821

 

VINCENNES, August 18.

The editor has been politely furnished by Gen. Gibson,

(acting governor) with the perusal of a letter from the com-

manding officer of Fort Harrison, dated the 9th inst. in which

he says, that he has been informed by three different friendly

Indians, that Tecumseh was preparing a considerable force to

strike an important blow somewhere against the whites, and

the full of this moon was the time fixed for his commencement

of hostilities.-All the accounts received concur in stating his

present force as being much greater than at the battle of Tippe-

canoe, and that he expects a large reinforcement about the time

of his contemplated attack. All agree in opinion that this place

is their first object.                   Western Sun.

Western Sun.

 

We have good reason to believe that the president of the

United States has rejected the proposed armistice between Gen-

eral Dearborn and the governor of Canada, and directed that

six days' notice should be immediately given to the respective

officers of the recommencement of hostilities.

 

We hear nothing from Detroit --report says, that the Ken-

tucky militia have arrived on the Miami of the lake. Things

remain as they have done for some days past at Cleavland.

We are told, that Gen. Wadsworth has ordered most of his

troops to Pipe-creek, Huron county. It is presumed that noth-

ing further, in this quarter will be done until orders are re-

ceived from Washington.

 

Mr. Editor.

We are almost every day witnessing the distressing effects

of the treachery of the traitor Hull. Several of the Ohio volun-

teers have passed through this place, who, with hundreds of

others, landed at the city of Cleaveland, unite in declaring that

Detroit was surrendered, not for want of powder, but attribute

it solely to the treachery of Hull, who we are sufficiently au-

thorized to state was anxiously solicited to permit the troops

Vol. XXVIII-21.

• 36
 

322      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

within the fort to fire on the enemy, but to no effect, Hull al-

leging for reason that they were too destitute of ammunition

which has since proved to be a palpable falsehood, as there was

then in the magazine both powder and lead in abundance to have

commenced and continued the fight as long as occasion might

require. Some of the soldiers quite recently from Detroit, state,

that the Indians are committing most abusive depredations on

the river Raisen, stripping the defenseless inhabitants of every

thing they can lay hands on, and destroying what they cannot

take with them. The Indians are mightily elated by their late

success-they almost all since the surrender of Detroit, are

seen riding on good horses, well equipped, while their swords

challenge us to fight. We hope the government will speedily take

decisive measures to retrieve the almost inconceivable loss sus-

tained by the treachery of Hull, and bestow that reward on our

enemy which injustice, barbarity and dishonor justly merit.

Maj. Gen. Wadsworth's headquarters are at the city of

Cleavland, thirty-six miles from Huron river, to which place

Brigadier General Perkins has marched with 500 men, for the

purpose of building blockhouses, and to guard the frontier

settlements.

 

 

TEN DOLLARS REWARD.

DESERTED on the 26th inst. James Dunlap, a drafted soldier,

in the artillery of the 1st regt. 3d brigade, 4th division Ohio

militia; he is of a dark complexion, about six feet high, a tailor

by trade, late resident of Liberty township, Trumbull county.

The above reward will be given, if delivered at Cleaveland, or

secured in any jail in the state, and reasonable expences by

JAMES HAZELIP, Capt.,

1st Regt. 3d Brigd. 4th Div. Ohio Militia.

August 29, 1812.

 

Issue September 16.

We have received a communication, signed James Dunlap,

which is an answer to certain assertions, made by Capt. Hazelip,

of the artillery company, attached to the 1st regiment, 3d

• 37
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.             323

brigade and 4th division of Ohio militia, in an advertisement

published in our paper- We, in our prospectus declared, that

we would never make our paper subservient to private differ-

ence. Had we supposed this advertisement was merely a thing

of a private nature, we should never have published it. We

know not now whether it is such; but this we know, if we ad-

mit of a replication to it, our paper will be filled with such news

as will not be interesting to the public - for in return Capt.

Hazelip may wish to rejoin-We are willing to say thus much,

that Mr. Dunlap denies that he is a deserter.

 

When I left Piqua which was on Monday, the 2₄th, there

were about 700 Indians present, of whom 22 were Kickapoos,

27 Delawares, one family of Wyandots, and the remainder

Shawanoes-they arrived at Mr. Johnston's the Indian agent

the 15th inst. and encamped. On Monday, the 1₇th, their  war-

riors about 300 formed a novel procession, and marched to

Piqua 3 miles - with all the ceremonies and music peculiar to

Indians--there they saluted the commissioners with two hearty

cheers, and the discharge of rifles, the salute was returned by 100

Riflemen and 30 Cavalry. The Council was then opened by Black

Hoof, who addressed the commissioners in behalf of the

Shawanoes, in a very friendly manner. Gov. Meigs replied;

he stated to them the object of the council, etc., and then ad-

journed until more Indians should collect-since which time

the greatest order and harmony have prevailed their camps and

the neighboring inhabitants place confidence in their assurances

of friendship. The news of the murder of Capt. Wells which

they got on Wednesday and of the surrender of Detroit on

Thursday have not altered their minds. - About 350 Delawares

had arrived within a few miles of Piqua, when I left there,

it was said that many of the Miamies were on their way there

and about 100 Wyandots.

The greatest alarm prevails all over the frontiers of Ohio

in consequence of the gloomy intelligence from Detroit. On

Sunday Mr. Johnston sent down the ammunition and some of

the other Indian annuities to Dayton. Mr. Johnston's brother in

Fort Wayne writes by the last express that he expects an attack

• 38
 

324      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

soon, and that his women and children will start to Piqua in a

few days. He calls loudly for more men. Gov. Meigs wrote

on Saturday from Urbana to Messrs. Worthington and Mor-

row that the British flag was flying at the foot of the rapids

of the Miami of the lake, and if they wanted more men at

Piqua to send to him, or order them out themselves. - Satur-

day night false reports were industriously circulated in the ad-

jacent country that the Indians at the council were meditating

hostilities and that Indians were expected from Detroit, etc.

These together with the belief that Detroit was in possession of

the British caused a general resort to arms. Never did patriotic

ardour burst forth in a more general flame in Ohio. Men of

all ranks went to meet danger. On Monday and Thursday I

met great numbers of men well armed on their way to Piqua

and Urbana there to do as may seem most expedient.

J. H. MARCH.

Pittsburgh Mercury.

 

CHILLICOTHE, Sept. 5.

A letter from Cincinnati, to the editors dated August 30,

says-"Two thousand Kentucky volunteers left here yesterday

for Urbana; and about 400 more are expected here this week.

The whole are to be under the command of Gov. Harrison, who

is now in this town. He is appointed a major general, by Gov.

Scott, of Kentucky, and the volunteers from that state are much

pleased with the appointment."

An express which arrived at Cincinnati, the 29th of Au-

gust, from Gen. Worthington to Col. Wells, supposing him to

command the detachment from Kentucky, requesting him to

order the troops under his command to Fort Wayne, as they

had received pretty certain intelligence that the Indians from

Lake Michigan, would soon attack that post. General Harrison

immediately ordered the whole of his force amounting to six

thousand, to Fort Wayne.

A letter from Gen. Thomas Worthington, to a gentleman

in this town, dated at Piqua, August 25, says-"I expect and

hope that within the next three days, a thousand men perhaps

more; will be on, and be beyond the frontier. No mischief has

• 39
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              325

 

been done in this neighborhood by Indians, as yet; and if the

arrangements made are carried into effect, of which there is a

great prospect, I have every reason to hope that the whole fron-

tier of Ohio will be secured against our savage neighbors, and

our more savage enemies--the British. More than two regi-

ments have arrived and are on their way; some of the detach-

ments have arrived here today.

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION.

On the 14th of August, at mid-day, the British commenced

throwing up a breast work, on the east side of Detroit river op-

posite to fort Detroit, within cannon shot from the fort, and

planted their cannon, without a gun being fired to molest them.

On the 15th Hull called a council of officers to know, whether

he should fire upon the enemy, before they fired upon him.

This inquiry was treated by the officers with the contempt,

which it merited; all declaring, that they supposed a general

could settle that question without calling a council of war. On

the 15th at noon, the firing commenced, from the breast work

so thrown up by the enemy upon the fort; which was returned,

and continued until late in the evening; it recommenced, on

both sides, on the morning of the 16th, and while answered

from Detroit not a man was killed; after it had ceased from

Detroit, 7 men were killed by 2 shot. On the morning of the

16th Gen. Brock crossed the Detroit two miles below, in sight

of the fort, without any attempt being made to prevent him,

although Col. Miller and other officers urged that they might

be permitted to prevent him; which they thought, they could

do. Brock marched to the attack, with 700 regulars and militia

and 700 Indians, in, a lane, in solid columns, in the face of six

pieces of heavy cannon charged with grape shot, to within 600

yards of the fort; the men stood with their matches lighted,

ready to fire, but were not permitted. Col. Findlay's regiment

was posted behind a picket fence, having port holes cut in it,

prepared to attack whenever the enemy displayed. Cols. M'-

Arthur and Cass were in the rear of the enemy with 400 men

waiting to attack their rear as soon as the firing should com-

• 40
 

326      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

mence from the fort: in this situation Hull ordered the white

flag to be hoisted, in opposition to the opinion of every officer

and soldier with him. Hull had 2,500 effective men, provisions

for 40 days, and an abundant supply of ammunition.

 

By the Express Mail.

A detachment under the command of Major Austin, of this

town, were sent a few days since on to the peninsula between

lake Erie and Sandusky bay for the purpose of procuring re-

freshment for the troops under the command of Gen. Perkins.

They passed over to Cunningham's island, where they discov-

ered a British schooner on shore, and abandoned by her crew

-they set her on fire and left her. On their return they dis-

covered the dead body of Mathew Guy of this neighborhood.

Returning from that place, one of their own number was shot

through the head and fell dead. This is the first blood that

has been shed since the declaration of war at Sandusky bay.

We are told that the president has ordered on to Gen. Wads-

worth 1500 muskets.

 

Issue September 23.

The News.

From the west. On the 5th instant Gen. Harrison had his

headquarters at Piqua. He has issued a proclamation, requiring

every person who is able to do so, to join him, well mounted

with a rifle and 20 or 30 days' provisions. His present forces

amounted to between 5 and 6,000. He is marching to the relief

of fort Wayne, which was then besieged by the British and

Indians. Fort Wayne was not taken on the 6th instant. He

writes to Governor Shelby of Kentucky, on the 5th instant, that

he had detached 900 Kentucky infantry under the command of

Col. Allen, who would be joined by 700 mounted men, who

were in advance of him, to the relief of that fort; but that he

had not been able to move with the main body of the army for

the want of two essential articles-that a small supply would

be up that day, and the troops would then be ready to march

• 41
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.                327

 

in two hours. He says, we are well supplied, however, with

bayonets, and our spirits are up to the highest pitch. Indigna-

tion and resentment fire every breast.

General Brock has issued a proclamation to the citizens of

Michigan territory, dated the 16th August, declaring that Gen-

eral Hull had that day ceded the territory of Michigan to his

Britanic majesty's army; announcing that the laws heretofore

in existence shall be continued in force, until the pleasure of

his Britannic majesty is known; and that the inhabitants thereof

shall be protected in the enjoyment of their religion, etc. All

persons having arms in their possession are requested to deliver

them up, for which receipts will be given; as also all kinds of

public property.                       Pittsburgh Mer.

 

 

CHILLICOTHE, September 12.

No news of importance has been received from our fron-

tier since our last paper. Gen. Harrison arrived at Piqua on

the 2d inst. with about 2,000 Kentucky volunteers and 400

regulars under Col. Wells. Col. Allen, with about 900 Kentucky

volunteers, and a company of horsemen, commanded by Capt.

Garret, were soon despatched to reinforce the Ohio volunteers

who had previously marched for the relief of fort Wayne.

Capt. Langham left Urbana on Saturday last, for the same pur-

pose. The whole force in that quarter, amounts to about 6,000

men; and from the movements and orders of Gen. Harrison,

we believe he intends to scour the whole Indian country and

completely crush our savage adversaries. Great fears are enter-

tained that fort Wayne will be taken before the above detach-

ments get there. A large body of Indians and British had sur-

rounded the fort, which was, we understand, in a bad state

of defense.                                 Supporter.

Supporter.

 

General Wadsworth, we are told, has removed his head-

quarters from Cleaveland, to the Portage between the Cuyahoga

and the Tuskarawas branch of the Muskingum, after having

sent reinforcement to Gen. Perkins, at Huron. The object of

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328       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

this movement, we are told, is to open a more direct communica-

tion between Pittsburgh and Sandusky, and to facilitate the

transportation of cannon and military stores to the Michigan

Territory.

PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS, The United States are now at war with Great

Britain, whose forces are aided by savages of the most ferocious

nature, and the frontiers of the state of Ohio are exposed to

their cruelties and depredations, as well as to the machinations

of traitors and spies--creating discontent among our citizens,

and giving our enemies information of our situation, forces

and movements.

In order therefore (as far as lays in our power) to pre-

vent such cruelties, machinations, treachery, and spying--I is-

sue this proclamation, EXHORTING all the citizens and inhabitants

of the state of Ohio, to the strict observance of all their duties,

as such; requiring all military officers according to their rank

to be strict, in their attention to the discipline, arms and order

of all those under their command, and to hold themselves in

constant readiness for active service.

Also, requiring all magistrates, conservators of the peace,

and all civil officers and others, to be vigilant in the apprehen-

sion, examination, and commitment of all such traitors or spies,

in order that they may be dealt with according to law.

R. J. MEIGS,

Governor of Ohio.

Issue September 30.

We are informed by a gentleman directly from Gallipolis,

that two large boats loaded with cannon, completely mounted,

and several others with ammunition and public stores, descended

the Ohio, for Cincinnati, on Monday last. They are, no doubt,

intended for the northwestern army, now at Urbana. If so,

our brave volunteers will have warm work this fall.

Scioto Gazette.




• 43
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              329

By the British Col. Proctor's "civil regulations for the gov-

ernment of the Michigan territory," AUGUSTUS B. WOOD-

WARD, a U. States judge of the supreme court of that terri-

tory, is appointed secretary to the British governor!  It ap-

pears that there was more than one man at Detroit who had

an "itching palm."

 

The News.

By the last accounts from General Harrison's army, it ap-

pears that about 3000 troops are at St. Mary's, on the 8th inst.

which is 55 miles this side of fort Wayne.

The following is about the force General Harrison has

with him from Kentucky:

Col. Allen's regiment 650; Scott's, 600; Lewis', 650;

Poague's 640; Barbee's, 640; Jennings, 600; mounted volunteer

for a short period, 500; regulars under Col. Wells, 400; Col.

Simrall's regiment of horse 300; Capt. Garrard's troops of

horse, 80-Total, 5060.

A number of mounted volunteers from Kentucky were to

rendezvous at Louisville, on the 18th, and were to march im-

mediately for Vincennes. They are to be joined by Col. Wil-

cock's regiment of 588 men, and Col. Miller's of 700. The

whole force, when collected, will amount to about 3000, and

will be under the command of Gen. Hopkins, who, it is ex-

pected, will march against the Wabash Indians, and then to

co-operate with Gen. Harrison.

 

To the Independent Electors of the State of Ohio.

You will soon be called upon to exercise the inestimable

right of suffrage; to do that act, which, practically, evidences

you to be freemen. The proper designation of persons to fill

the respective offices of government is of the utmost conse-

quence. This is a time of danger; a "time which" in some de-

gree "tries men's souls". It is very important, that we should

select a proper person for our executive magistrate. To assist

in that object, the writer of this offers, to his fellow citizens,

his thoughts upon the subject.

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330       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Many of us are unfortunately, beginning to doubt the in-

tegrity of our present governor. I say, unfortunately, for I

believe those suspicions are without foundation; and that we

shall not find here, or anywhere else, a better man. It has been

said that, he has had a connection with the traitor Hull. To

support this position, it is said, he has put the militia of Ohio

under the command of Hull. I would ask, if it was not his

duty so to do? Was not Hull, at a time, when no man sus-

pected him of treachery, appointed a brigadier general in the

army of the U. States, and ordered by the president, to take

the command of that part of the militia of the state which were

ordered to Detroit. Will any man say, that Governor Meigs

ought to have refused to put the militia under an officer of the

U. States. I trust, that in this state, no friend of the Union

will advance a doctrine, so pregnant with evil. Has not Gov-

ernor Meigs used every exertion to provide for the convenience

of the troops. It must be answered in the affirmative. He has

advanced 9000 dollars from his private purse, for the equipment

of the first army of Ohio. The most of the past year has been

spent, by him, in the organization of different detachments of

militia.  He is now at Urbana, organizing the detachment,

which have been put under the command of Gen. Harrison.

Can this man be an enemy to his country? -certainly not.

The enemies of our worthy chief magistrate, envious of

his justly acquired popularity, have attempted to injure him,

by reporting, that he is the brother-in-law of Hull. This is

false-the writer of this article is personally acquainted with

Governor Meigs, and his family. He knows this assertion not

to be true. But even suppose it were true, does it follow, that

because a man is a traitor, that all his relatives are? Was the

nephew of Hull, who, with tears in his eyes, besought his uncle

not to abandon Sandwich, but to make an attack upon Maiden,

a traitor?-who when offered protection by his uncle, if he

would go with him to Lower Canada, spurned the offer, and

chose rather to abandon his all to the merciless savage, and

risk the lives of himself, wife, and infant child, in a retreat

through the wilderness to Urbana.

Is the brave Capt. Hull, of the Constitution frigate, who

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              331

 

has gained the most brilliant naval victory, ever obtained by

an American, a traitor because he is the nephew of Gen. Hull?

No man supposes, that he was bought by English gold, when he

fought, and conquered the British frigate Gurriere.

 

It is reported from a quarter entitled to credit, that Gen.

Harrison having placed two men upon each of his horses, made

a forced march for fort Wayne, where he has arrived before it

was necessary for the fort to surrender

 

Issue of October 7, 1812.

From Montreal, September 7, 1812.

"Yesterday Gen. Hull and the 4th regiment U. S. regulars

arrived here, prisoners of war, and were confined in the gov-

ernment house. The general rode at their head in a calash,

and, looked dignified but distressed. A great crowd followed

them and when the troops which guarded them arrived at the

government house, the populace gave three cheers, and the

drums beat Yankee Doodle. If this was intended as an insult

to the prisoners, it was mean and pitiful."

 

CHILLICOTHE, September 23.

 

GOOD NEWS!!

An express from Gen. Harrison has just arrived in town.

About 4000 men are encamped near fort Wayne. The Indians,

which were about it, would not stay to fight. The headquarters

of the northwestern army, are at St. Mary's between Piqua and

fort Wayne. A detachment of the army, under Col. Wells, has

destroyed five Indian towns, burnt all the corn, etc., one of the

towns which has been destroyed, was occupied by the Potowa-

tomies; and two by the Miamies. We have not been able to

ascertain, to what tribes the other two Indian villages belonged.

 

CINCINNATI, September 22.

On Saturday, the 12th inst., Gen. Harrison, with about 3000

troops arrived at fort Wayne. A scouting party immediately

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332      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

went out to search for Indians, and scoured the woods for sev-

eral hours; but not an Indian could be found-though some

had so suddenly decamped as to leave their fires burning, and

baskets lying near. It was supposed there had been from three

to 400 Indians. They had burnt 12 or 14 cabins in the neigh-

borhood of the fort, and killed nearly all the cattle, milch cows,

sheep, hogs and chickens, belonging to the fort, and the people

who had been living in those cabins which were burnt. Not

wanting all the meat, the putrifying carcases were numbers of

them lying above the ground when the army arrived. -The In-

dians, previous to the arrival of the army shot two men who

incautiously were outside of the fort a short time. Friday, the

11th, a small party of spies and four friendly Indians, who were

a few miles in advance of the army, discovered a small party

of hostile Indians, who fired on them without doing any injury

-but one of the spies shot an Indian, and tracked him by the

blood a considerable distance, until he left his blanket and rifle,

but could not find him. They briskly pursued the Indians sev-

eral miles, but without effect.

Since writing the above (Monday afternoon) Lieut. Bryson,

of Newport, Ky., has politely communicated the following. -

That an express had just arrived, who states verbally, that the

detachment under Gen. Wells, which left fort Wayne on the

14th inst. returned on Friday last-having destroyed FIVE

Potowatamie and Miami towns, without having seen an Indian.

 

 

 

WAR DEPARTMENT, September 1, 1812.

Your excellency's letter of August 24th is received. It

is the determination of the president to regain the ground which

has been lost, and to prosecute with redoubled vigor the original

object of the campaign. In addition to the troops under Gen-

eral Winchester, a brigade of militia will be marched from the

upper part of Pennsylvania, as soon as practicable, with such

volunteers as may offer from that quarter. Fifteen hundred in-

fantry have been ordered from Virginia, and the troops under

General Harrison will co-operate with this force on the frontier.

• 47
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              333

 

The president has great confidence in your zealous support of

these measures by all the means within your control.

Very respectfully yours,

W. EUSTIS.

His excellency R. J. Meigs,

Governor of Ohio.

 

SIR. I arrived at camp last evening, and find that the en-

gagement on the peninsula, has proved less unfortunate than

was at first apprehended--our loss are six killed, and ten

wounded; the wounded are mostly very slight, and none I think

mortal.

The names of the killed, are James S. Bills, Simon Black-

man, Daniel Mingus, Abraham Simons, -         Ramsdale,

Mason.

Wounded, are Samuel Mann, Moses Eldridge, Jacob

French, Samuel B. Tanner, John Carlton, John M'Mahon,

Elias Sperry, James Jack, a Mr. Lee, an inhabitant of this

neighborhood, etc.  Mr. Ramsdale, also    of this vicinity.

Knowing the anxiety of the inhabitants at the eastward, I detain

the messenger no longer than to write the above, and am,

Sir, yours,

SIMON PERKINS.

P. S. Our men fought well, and the Indians suffered very

considerably.

The commandant at Cleavland.

Camp at Avery, Huron county, October ₃d, 1812.

 

Mr. Editor.

The commissioners appointed under an act of Congress,

to lay out a road from the rapids of Miami to Sandusky, and

thence to the west line of the Reserve, have struck the west line

of the Reserve, eleven miles and some chains, north of the

southwest corner of the same; this affords a fair opportunity

to the citizens of Portage and the south part of Trumbull

county, to secure to themselves, the great leading road of travel,

and the great mail rout from Pittsburgh to Detroit: and we

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334      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

trust that they will not let the opportunity escape them. By

placing the road in good state of repair, they render the busi-

ness certain, and such we trust is their intelligence, enterprise

and industry, that it will be done; it is to them a great and im-

portant object, their only competitors will be the citizens of Co-

lumbiana, Stark and Wayne counties: the distance by the two

routes will be nearly the same, but the road was unquestionably

laid out with a view to pass through those three counties.

After leaving the Sandusky, it takes a direction pointing directly

to Worcester in Wayne county, Gen. Bell, one of the commis-

sioners, is largely interested in lands in and about the county

seats, of those counties and of course much interested in the

road going through Worcester, Canton and Newlisbon, and upon

a late occasion he declared at Canton, that the route through

those towns was the nearest, and best, and would obtain the

travel. It is hoped that those interested in the first mentioned

route will take measures to get an appropriation made by our

next Legislature upon it. It is interesting to them, and the

public generally.

IMPROVEMENT.

 

 

ZANESVILLE (Ohio) September 23.

Extract of a letter from Governor Meigs to General Vanhorn,

dated Urbana, September 19, 1812.

General Harrison's army reached fort Wayne on Saturday

last, all safe. The Indians had retired four days before, after

burning and destroying every species of property, public and

private, outside of the garrison. My brother and two soldiers

are the only persons that have fallen at that place. Expeditions

have gone out in different directions from fort Wayne to harras

the Indians. The Miamies were associated with the Potawa-

tamies and are of course against us. One party had gone

against their towns on the Wabash, and another against the

Potawatamies on the waters of lake Michigan.

There is now altogether in advance of this place between

4 and 5000 men, and about 2000 within two days' journey com-

• 49
 

Ohio in the War of I812.               335

ing on. We have every reason to believe that the frontiers

will be visited by the savages.

R. J. MEIGS.

P. S. Eight hundred Indians are here and their families,

and appear friendly.

 

 

Issue October 14.

(From the Crawford Messenger.)

MR. ATKINSON.

I arrived here a few days ago from Detroit, which place

I left the 19th inst. I did not belong to the army under Gen.

Hull, but was there previous to his arrival, and at the time of

his surrender of the place to the British arms. On the morning

of the surrender I was in the militia of the territory, com-

manded by Col. Brush, who informed us that Hull was going

to give the place up, and the reasons for doing so were, that

1800 British regulars were marching up to attack us, and that

we had not on hand ammunition sufficient to last one hour, and

the provisions for the supply of the army did not exceed one

day. After the surrender, I enquired of Col. Brush from whom

he got this information, and he told me from Gen. Hull. I

then undertook to collect, from the best sources, a statement

of the arms, etc., on hand, at the time of the capitulation, in

order to refute this unfounded assertion, which I give you for

publication. I will not undertake to say that it is entirely cor-

rect, but I am confident it varies but little from the truth. The

information I give of the provisions on hand I had from the

contractor's agent the other was obtained either from the

British officers or from American gentlemen who had con-

versed with them.

Yours, etc.,

WILLIAM FOSTER.

Meadville, 28th September, 1812.

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336      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Memorandum of arms, ammunition, etc., in Detroit, 16th Au-

gust, 1812, the day of the treasonable surrender of the place

to the British forces, by Brig. Gen. Wm. Hull.

2000 muskets and accoutrements stacked on the esplanade

after the surrender.

450 do. do. brought in after the surrender by Cols. M'-

Arthur and Cass, and stacked on do.

N. B. The number in the arsenal not known.

9 twenty-four pounders mounted.

27 iron and brass pieces from 18 to 4 pounders, 4 or 5 of

which were not mounted.

2 howitzers.

1 mortar.

480 rounds of fixed ammunition for the 24 pounders.

600 do. do. for the 6 pounders.

For the ordnance not ascertained.

200 cartridges of grape shot for the 24 pounders.

200 do for the 4 pounders.

The shells prepared and filled not ascertained, but the num-

ber very considerable.

60 barrels of gunpowder.

75,000 musket cartridges made up, besides 24 round in

possession of each man.

150 tons of lead.

150 do. cannon ball of different sizes.

25 days provisions on hand, besides 120 pack horse load

of flour, and 300 head of cattle at the river Raisin, 36 miles

from Detroit, under the escort of Capt. Brush, and 300 men

from Chillicothe--also 200 barrels of flour at the same place,

sent there by the contractor in boats from Black Rock.

Two thousand men under arms in Detroit, beside the de-

tachment of 450 under Cols. McArthur and Cass, who had been

sent to meet Capt. Brush at the river Raisin, but for want of

provisions had returned on the 15th, and encamped that night

within six miles of Detroit. About sunrise on the morning of

the 16th, they saw the British cross the river three miles above

them, and sent word immediately to Hull where they were, but

no advantage was taken of their eligible position, who could

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             337

have completely cut off the retreat of the enemy, had the traitor

who commanded in Detroit gratified the wishes of his men, and

suffered them to commence fighting. McArthur and Cass had

left Detroit on Thursday evening the 13th, without provisions,

under the promise that a supply would be sent after them the

next morning. The supply was not sent. They had orders to

take a private road, which was seventy miles to the river Rai-

sin; they travelled most part of Thursday night and Friday,

and on Saturday morning concluded it was best to return to

Detroit, as they could not proceed without provisions. It was

supposed by many that this detachment was sent off on pur-

pose to have it out of the way at the time of the disgraceful

surrender of Detroit, and its return was as unexpected to Hull

as its beneficial co-operation with the army in Detroit, was ap-

parent.

The whole force of the enemy did not amount to more than

one thousand men, of which there were about two hundred

Indians, who kept skulking through the woods, and who would

not have dared to come within reach of the guns of the fort.

There were three hundred and fifty regulars of the fourth regi-

ment, and the balance were Canadian militia.

 

 

The treaty making at Piqua has been broken up. The com-

missioners' report will be given in our next. The Indians who

attended there are required to remain within our protection,

and are enrolled and mustered daily to prevent desertion. The

warriors are said to amount to upwards of 300 men. Gen.

Harrison has marched with a strong force to Fort Wayne, 700

of whom are mounted riflemen and musketeers.     Governor

Meigs remains at Urbanna with a strong force waiting orders

from the war department. Detroit has a small detachment left

in it as a guard by the British, but they have carried off the

greater part of its military supplies. Maiden is also defended

at present by a small force.

Mus. Messenger.

 

Vol. XXVIII -22.

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338      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Extract of a letter from Wm. S. Hutt, a volunteer under Gen.

Harrison, to his lady in Chillicothe, dated,

HEAD QUARTERS, CAMP ST. MARY'S, Sept. 22.

"This morning at 9 o'clock, we paraded agreeably to gen-

tral orders, and formed in a hollow square, when general Hart i-

son mounted a waggon and delivered a harrangue, in which he

set forth the absolute necessity of subordination among the mili-

tary, and expressed his confidence in the strength of the army

now collected and collecting to reduce Malden and Detroit Le-

fore Christmas, which he was determined to effect. The gen.

told the army that if any of the six months' men wished to stay

behind, he would place them in a garrison; and if any of the

thirty days' men wished to return, they should receive their

discharge, &c. and at the signal a few of them declared they

would (and have) returned. We do not know how long we

are to remain in this place, but that is one of my least con-

cerns. Gen. Harrison wears his hunting shirt every day: he

appears quite affable, and has a keen eye."

 

 

GEN. HULL'S ACCOUNT.

WASHINGTON CITY Sept. 19.

Yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock lieut. Anderson, of the

U. S. army, reached the city, bearer of dispatches from brig.

gen. Wm. Hull, to the department of war, of which the fol-

lowing copies have been obtained for publication:

MONTREAL, 8th Sept. 1812.

SIR - The enclosed dispatch was prepared on my arrival

at fort George, and it was my intention to have forwarded it

from that place by major Wetherill, of the Michigan volun-

teers. I made application to the commanding officer at that

post, and was refused; he stating that he was not authorized,

and gen. Brock was then at York. We were immediately em-

barked for this place, and major Wetherill obtained liberty at

Kingston to go home on parole.

This is the first opportunity I have had to forward the

despatches.

• 53
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.             339

 

The ₄th U. S. regiment is detained for Quebec, with a

part of the first. The whole consists of a little over three

hundred.

Sir George Prevost, without any request on my part, has

offered to take my parole, and permit me to proceed to the

states.

Lieut. Anderson, of the 8th regiment, is the bearer of my

despatches. He was formerly a lieut. in the artillery, and re-

signed his commission on account of being appointed marshall

of the territory of Michigan. During the campaign he has had

a command in the artillery; and I recommend him to you as

a valuable officer.

He is particularly acquainted with the state of things previ-

ous and at the time when the capitulation took place. He will

be able to give you correct information on any points about

which you may think proper to enquire.

I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

W. HULL.

HON. W. EUSTIS, Sec. of War.

 

FORT GEORGE, Aug. 26, 1812.

SIR-Enclosed are the articles of capitulation, by which

the fort of Detroit has been surrendered to major-general Brock,

commanding his Britannic majesty's forces in Upper Canada,

and by which the troops have become prisoners of war. My

situation at present forbids me from detailing the particular

causes which led to this unfortunate event. I will, however,

generally observe, that after the surrender of Michillimackinac

almost every tribe and nation of Indians, excepting a party of

the Miamies and Delawares, north from beyond lake Superior,

west from beyond the Mississippi, south from the Ohio and

Wabash, and east from every part of Upper Canada, and from

all the intermediate country, joined in open hostility under the

British standard, against the army I commanded, contrary to the

most solemn assurances of a large portion of them to remain

neutral - even the Ottawa chiefs from Arbacrotch, who formed

the delegation to Washington the last summer, in whose friend-

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340      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

ship I know you had great confidence, are among the hostile

tribes and several of them distinguished leaders. Among the

vast number of chiefs who led the hostile band, Tecumseh,

Marpot, Logan, Walk-in-the-water, Split-Log, etc., are consid-

ered the principles.  This numerous assemblage of savages,

under the entire influence and direction of the British com-

mander, enabled him to obstruct the only communication which

I had with my country.

This communication had been opened from the settlements

in the state of Ohio, two hundred miles through a wilderness,

by the fatigues of the army which I marched to the frontier on

the river Detroit. The body of the lake being commanded by

the British armed ships, and the shores and rivers by gun boats,

the army was totally deprived of all communication by water.

On this extensive road, it depended for transportation of pro-

visions, military stores, medicine, clothing and every other sup-

ply, on pack horses -all of its operations were successful until

its arrival at Detroit, and in a few days it passed into the

enemies' country, and all opposition seemed to fall before it.

One month it remained in possession of this country, and was

fed from its resources.  In different directions, detachments

penetrated sixty miles in the settled part of the province, and

the inhabitants seemed satisfied with the change of situation

which seemed to be taking place. The militia from Amherst-

burg were daily deserting, and the whole country, then under

control of the army, was asking for protection. The Indians

generally in the first instance, appeared to be neutralized, and

determined to take no part in the contest. The fort of Amherst-

burg was 18 miles below my encampment. Not a single cannon

or morter was on wheels suitable to carry before that place.

I consulted my officers, whether it was expedient to make an

attempt on it with the bayonet alone, without cannon, to make

a break in the first instance. The council I called was of the

opinion it was not. The greatest industry was exerted in mak-

ing preparations, and it was not until the 7th of Aug. that two

24 pounders, and three howitzers were prepared. It was then

my intention to have proceeded on the enterprise.

While the operations of the army were delayed by these

• 55
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              341

preparations, the clouds of adversity had been for some time

and seemed still thickly to be gathering around me. The sur-

render of Michillimackinac opened the northern hive of In-

dians, and they were swarming down in every direction. Rein-

forcement from  Niagra had arrived at Amherstburgh under

the command of Col. Proctor. The desertion of the militia

ceased. Besides the reinforcements that came by water, I re-

ceived information of a very considerable force under the com-

mand of major Chambers, on the river Le French, with four

field pieces, and collecting the militia on his route, evidently

destined for Amherstburg; and in addition to this combination,

an increase in force, contrary to all my expectations, the Wyan-

dots, Chippawas, Ottawas, Pottawamies, Munsees, Delawares,

&c. with whom I had the most friendly intercourses, at once

passed over to Amherstburg, and accepted the tomahawk and

scalping knife. There being now a vast number of Indians at

the British post, they were sent to the river Huron, Browns-

town and Maguago to intercept my communication. To open

this communication, I detached major Vanhorn of the Ohio

volunteers with 200 men to proceed as far as the river Raisin,

under an expectation he would meet Capt. Brush with 150 men,

volunteers from the state of Ohio, and a quantity of provisions

for the army. An ambuscade was formed at Brownstown, and

major Vanhorn's detachment defeated and returned to camp

without effecting the object of the expedition.

In my letter of the 7th inst. you have the particulars of

that transaction with a return of the killed and injured. Under

this sudden and unexpected change of things, and having re-

ceived an express from gen. Hall, commanding opposite the

British shore on the Niagara river, by which it appeared that

there was no prospect of any co-operation from that quarter,

and the two senior officers of the artillery having stated to me

an opinion that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible,

to pass the Turkey river and river Aux Cannard, with 24 pound-

ers, and that they could not be transported by water, as the

Queen Charlotte, which carries eighteen twenty-three pounders,

lay in the river Detroit above the mouth of the river Aux Can-

nard; and as it appeared indispensibly necessary to open the

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342     Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

communication to the river Raisen and the Miami, I found my-

self compelled to suspend the operation against Amherstburg,

and concentrate the main force of the army at Detroit. Fully

intending, at that time, after the communication was opened,

to recross, the river and pursue the object at Ambersburg, and

strongly desirous of continuing protection to a very large num-

ber of the inhabitants of Upper Canada, who had voluntarily

accepted it under my proclamation; I established a fortress on

the banks of the river, a little below Detroit, calculated for a

garrison of 300 men. On the evening of the 7th and morning

of the 8th inst. the army, excepting the garrison of 350 infantry

and a corps of artillerists, all under the command of major

Denny of the Ohio volunteers, recrossed the river and en-

camped at Detroit. In pursuance of the object of opening the

communication, on which I considered the existence of the army

depending, a detachment of 600 men under the command of

lieutenant-colonel Miller, was immediately ordered. For a par-

ticular account of the proceedings of this detachment, and the

memorable battle which was fought at Maguago, which reflects

the highest honor on the American arms, I refer you to my

letter of the 1₃th August inst. a duplicate of which is enclosed,

marked G. Nothing however but honor was acquired by this

victory; and it is a painful consideration, that the blood of

seventy-five gallant men could only open the communications as

far as points of their bayonets extended. The necessary care

of the sick and wounded, and a very severe storm of rain, ren-

dered the return to camp indispensably necessary for their own

comfort. Capt. Brush, with his small detachment, and the pro-

visions being still at the river Raisin and in a situation to be

destroyed by the savages, on the 13th inst. in the evening I

permitted cols. McArthur and Cass to select from their regi-

ment four hundred of their most effective men, and proceed an

upper route through the woods, which I had sent an express

to capt. Brush to take, and had directed the militia of the river

raisin to accompany him as a reinforcement. The force of the

enemy continually encreasing, and the necessity of opening the

communication and acting on the defensive, becoming more ap-

parent, I had, previous to detaching cols. McArthur and Cass

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              343

 

on the 11th inst. evacuated and destroyed the fort on the op-

posite bank. On the 13th in the evening, gen. Brock arrived

at Amberstburg about the hour cols. McArthur and Cass

marched, of which at that time I had received no information.

On the 13th I received a summons from him to surrender

fort Detroit, of which the paper marked A is a copy.  My

answer is marked B. At this time I had received no informa-

tion from cols. McArthur and Cass.    An express was im-

mediately sent strongly escorted, with orders for them to re-

turn. On the 15th as soon as gen. Brock received my letter,

his batteries opened on the town and fort, and continued until

evening. In the evening all the British ships of war came

nearly as far up the river as Sandwich, 3 miles below Detroit.

At day light on the 16th (at which time I had received no in-

formation from cols. McArthur and Cass, my expresses sent

the evening before, and in the night, having been prevented

from passing by numerous bodies of Indians) the cannonade

recommenced, and in a short time I received information, that

the British army and Indians were landing below the Spring-

wells, under cover of their ships of war. At this time the whole

effective force at my disposal at Detroit did not exceed 800 men.

Being new troops, and unacquainted to a camp life, having per-

formed a laborious march, and having been engaged in a num-

ber of battles and skirmishes, in which many had fallen, and

more had received wounds, in addition to which a large number

being sick, and unprovided with medicine and the comforts

necessary for their situation; are the general causes to which

the strength of the army was thus reduced. The fort was at

this time filled with women, children and the old and decrepid

people of the town and country. They were unsafe in the

town, as it was entirely open and exposed to the enemy's bat-

teries. Back of the fort, above or below it, there was no safety

for them on account of the Indians.   In the first inst. the

enemy's fire was principally directed against our batteries. To-

wards the close it was directed against the fort alone, and al-

most every shot and shell had their effect.

It now became necessary either to fight the enemy in the

field--collect the whole force in the fort -or propose terms

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344       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

of capitulation. I could not have carried into the field more

than 600 men, and left any adequate force in the fort. There

were landed at that time of the enemy a regular force of much

more than that number, and twice the number of Indians. Con-

sidering this great inequality of force, I did not think it ex-

pedient to adopt the first measure. The second must have been

attended with a great sacrifice of blood, and no possible ad-

vantage, because the contest could not have been sustained

more than a day for want of powder, and but a very few days

for the want of provisions. In addition to this, cols. McArthur

and Cass would have been in a most hazardous situation. I

feared nothing but the last alternative.  I have declared to

adopt it. I well know the high responsibility of the measure,

and I take the whole of it on myself. It was dictated by a

sense of duty, and a full conviction of its expediency. The

bands of savages which had then joined the British force were

numerous beyond any former example. Their numbers have

since increased, and the history of the north of Europe does

not furnish examples of more greedy violence than those sav-

ages have exhibited. A large portion of the brave and gallant

officers and men I commanded, would cheerfully have con-

tested until the last cartridge had been expended, the bayonets

worn to the sockets. I could not consent to the useless sacri-

fice of such brave men, when I knew it was impossible for me

to sustain my situation.

It is impossible, in the nature of things, that an army

could have been furnished with the necessary supplies of pro-

visions, military stores, clothing and comforts for the sick, on

pack horses, through a wilderness of 200 miles, filled with hos-

tile savages. It was impossible, sir, that this little army, worn

down by fatigue, by sickness, by wounds, and deaths, could

have supported itself not only against the collected force of

all the northern nations of Indians, but against the united

strength of Upper Canada, whose population consists of more

than twenty times the number contained in the territory of Michi-

gan, aided by the principal part of the regular forces of the

province, & the wealth and influence of the north-west and

other trading establishments among the Indians, which have in

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Ohio in the War of 1812.               345

their employment and under their entire control more than

2000 white men. Before I close this dispatch it is a duty I

owe my respectable associates in command colonels McArthur,

Findlay, Cass, and Lieut. Col. Miller, to express my obligations

to them for the prompt and judicious manner they have per-

formed their respective duties. If aught has taken place during

the campaign, which is honorable to the army, these officers are

entitled to a large share of it. If the last act should be dis-

approved, no part of the censure belongs to them.

I have likewise to express my obligation to general Taylor,

who has performed the duty of quarter master general for his

great exertions in procuring everything in this department which

it was possible to furnish for the convenience of the army;

likewise to brigade major Jessup for the correct and punctual

manner in which he has discharged his duty; and to the army

generally for their exertion and the zeal they have manifested

for the public interest. The death of Dr. Foster soon after he

arrived at Detroit, was a severe misfortune to the army; it was

increased by the capture of the Chachaga packet, by which the

medicine and hospital stores were lost. He was commencing

the best arrangements in the department of which he was the

principal, with the very small means he possessed. I was like-

wise deprived of the necessary services of captain Partridge by

sickness, the only officer of the corps of engineers attached to

the army. All the officers and men have gone to their respective

homes, excepting the ₄th U. States regiment, and a small part

of the first, and captain Dyson's company of artillery. Cap-

tain Dyson's company was left at Amherstburg, and the others

are with the prisoners. They amount to about three hundred

and forty. I have only to solicit an investigation of my con-

duct, as early as my situation and the state of things will ad-

mit; and to add the further request, that the government will

not be unmindful of my associates in captivity, and of the

families of those brave men who have fallen in the contest.

I have the honor to be, &c.

W. HULL, Brig. Gen.,

Commanding N. W. Army of the U. S.

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346       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

Issue Oct. 21, 1812.

A CARD.

Col. Symmes, of the senior division of the Ohio Militia,

presents his respectful compliments to major General Brock,

commanding his Britannic Majesty's forces, white and red, in

Upper Canada.

Col. Symmes observing, that by the 4th article of capitula-

tion of Fort Detroit to Major General Brock, all public arms

moving towards fort Detroit are to be delivered up. But as no

place of deposit is pointed out by the capitulations, forty

thousand stand of arms coming within the description, are at

the service of Maj. Brock, if his Excellency will condescend to

come and take them.

Independent Chronicle.

 

 

(From the National Intelligencer.)

Letter of Col. Cass, of the army late under the command of

Brig. General Wm. Hull, to the Secretary of War.

 

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10th, 1812.

Sir: Having been ordered on to this place by col. Mc-

Arthur, for the purpose of communicating to the government

such particulars respecting the expedition lately commanded by

brig. gen. Hull, and its disastrous results, as might enable them

correctly to appreciate the conduct of the officers and men, and

to develope the causes which produced so foul a stain upon the

national character, I have the honor to submit to your con-

sideration the following statement.

When the forces landed in Canada, they landed with an

ardent zeal and stimulated with the hope of conquest.  No

enemy appeared within view of us, and had an immediate and

vigorous attack been made upon Malden, it would doubtless

have fallen an easy victory. I know gen. Hull afterwards de-

clared he regretted this attack had not been made, and he had

every reason to believe success would have crowned his efforts.

The reason given for delaying our operations was to mount our

heavy cannon, and to afford to the Canadian militia time and

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Ohio in the War of 1812.            347

opportunity to quit obnoxious service. In the course of two

weeks, the number of their militia who were embodied had de-

creased by desertion from six hundred to one hundred men;

and, in the course of three weeks, the cannon were mounted,

the ammunition fixed, and every preparation made for an im-

mediate investment of the fort.  At a council, which were

present all the field officers, and which was held two days be-

fore our preparations were completed, it was unanimously agreed

to make an immediate attempt to accomplish the object of the

expedition.

If by waiting two days we could have the service of our

heavy artillery, it was agreed to wait; if not, it was determined

to go without it and to attempt the place by storm.  This

opinion appeared to correspond with the views of the general

and the day was appointed for commencing our march. He

declared to me, that he considered himself pledged to lead the

army to Maiden. The ammunition was placed in the waggons;

the cannon were embarked on board the floating batteries, and

every requisite article was prepared. The spirit and zeal, the

ardor and animation displayed by the officers and men on learn-

ing the near accomplishment of their wishes, was a sure and

sacred pledge that in the hour of trial they would not be found

wanting in their duty to their country and themselves. But a

change of measures in opposition to the wishes and opinions

of all the officers was adopted by the general. The plan of

attacking Maiden was abandoned and instead of acting offen-

sively, he broke up our camp, evacuated Canada, and recrossed

the river in the night, without even the shadow of an enemy

to injure us. We left to the tender mercy of the enemy the

miserable Canadians who had joined us, and the protection we

afforded them was but a passport to vengeance. This fatal and

unaccountable step dispirited the troops, and destroyed the

little confidence which a series of timid, irresolute, and inde-

cisive measures had left in the commanding officer.

About the tenth of August, the enemy received a rein-

forcement of 400 men. On the twelfth, the commanding of-

ficers of the three regiments (the fourth was absent) were

informed through a medium which admitted of no doubt that

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348       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

the general had stated that a capitulation would be necessary.

They on the same day addressed to Gov. Meigs of Ohio a

letter of which the following is an extract:

"Believe all the bearer will tell you. Believe it, however

it may astonish you, as much as if told you by one of us. Even

a  c............  is  talked  of  by  the ...................  The

bearer will fill the vacancy."

The doubtful fate of this letter rendered it necessary to

use circumspection in its details, and therefore these blanks

were left. The words 'capitulation' will fill the first, and 'com-

manding general' the other. As no enemy was near us, and

as the superiority of our force was manifest, we could see no

necessity for capitulating, nor propriety in alluding to it. We

therefore determined in the last resort to incur the respon-

sibility of divesting the general of his command. This plan

was eventually prevented by two of the commanding officers of

regiments being ordered upon detachment.

On the 1₃th. The British took a position opposite to De-

troit, and began to throw up works. During that and the two

following days, they pursued their object without any inter-

ruption and established a battery for two 18 pounders and an

8 inch howitzer. About sunset on the evening of the 14th, a

detachment of 850 men from the regiment commanded by Col.

M'Arthur and myself was ordered to march to the river Raisin,

to escort the provisions which had some time remained there

protected by a party under the command of Capt. Brush.

On Saturday the 1₃th, about one o'clock, a flag of truce

arrived from Sandwich, bearing a summons from General Brock

for a surrender of the town and fort of Detroit, stating he

could no longer restrain the fury of the savages. To this an

immediate and spirited refusal was returned.   About four

o'clock their batteries began to play upon the town. The fire

was returned and continued without interruption and with little

effect till dark. Their shells were thrown till 11 o'clock.

At daylight the firing on both sides recommenced; about

the same time the enemy began to land troops at the Spring-

wells, three miles below Detroit, protected by two of their

armed vessels. Between six and seven o'clock they had effected

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              349

their landing, and immediately took up their line of march.

They moved in a close column of platoons, twelve in front,

upon the bank of the river.

The fourth regiment was stationed in the fort; the Ohio

volunteers, and a part of the Michigan militia, behind some

pickets, in a situation in which the whole flank of the enemy

would have been exposed. The residue of the Michigan militia

were in the upper part of the town, to resist the incursions of

the savages, two 24-pounders, loaded with grape shot, were

posted upon a commanding eminence ready to sweep the ad-

vancing column. In this situation the superiority of our posi-

tion was apparent, and our troops, in the eager expectation of

victory, awaited the approach of the enemy. Not a sigh of

discontent broke upon the ear; not a look of cowardice met

the eye. Every man expected a proud day for his country, and

each was anxious that his individual exertion should contribute

to the general result.

When the head of their column arrived within five hun-

dred yards of our line, orders were received from General Hull

for the whole to retreat to the fort, and for the 24-pounders

not to open upon the enemy. One universal burst of indigna-

tion was apparent upon the receipt of this order. Those, whose

conviction was the deliberate result of a dispassionate examina-

tion of passing events, saw the folly and impropriety of crowd-

ing 1100 men into a little work, which 300 could fully man,

and into which the shot and shells of the enemy were falling.

The fort was in this manner filled; the men were directed to

stack their arms, and scarcely was an opportunity afforded of

moving. Shortly after a white flag was hung out upon the

walls. A British officer rode up to enquire the cause. A com-

munication passed between the commanding generals, which

ended in the capitulation submitted to you. In entering into

this capitulation, the general took counsel from his own feelings

only. Not an officer was consulted. Not one anticipated a sur-

render, till he saw the white flag displayed. Even the women

were indignant at so shameful a degradation of the American

character and all felt as they should have felt, but he who held

in his hands the reigns of authority.

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350      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Our morning report had that morning made our effective

men present fit for duty, 1060, without including the detach-

ment before alluded to, and without including 300 of the

Michigan militia on duty. About dark on Saturday evening the

detachment sent to escort the provisions received orders from

Gen. Hull to return with as much expedition as possible. About

ten o'clock the next day they arrived within sight of Detroit.

Had a firing been heard, or any resistance visible, they would

have immediately advanced and attacked the rear of the enemy.

The situation, in which this detachment was placed, although the

result of accident, was the best for annoying the enemy and

cutting off his retreat that could have been selected. With his

raw troops enclosed between two fires and no hopes of succour,

it is hazarding little to say, that very few would have escaped.

I have been informed by Col. Findlay, who saw the return

of their quarter-master general the day after the surrender, that

their whole force of every description, white, red and black,

was 1030. They had twenty-nine platoons, twelve in a platoon,

of men dressed in uniform. Many of these were evidently

Canadian militia. The rest of their militia increased their white

force to about seven hundred men. The number of the Indians

could not be ascertained with any degree of precision; not many

were visible. And in the event of an attack upon the town and

fort, it was a species of force which could have afforded no

material advantage to the enemy.

In endeavoring to appreciate the motives and to investigate

the cause, which led to an event so unexpected and dishonorable,

it is impossible to find any solution in the relative strength of

the contending parties, or in the measures of resistance in our

power. That we were far superior to the enemy; that upon any

ordinary principles of calculation we would have defeated them,

the wounded and indignant feelings of every man there will

testify.

A few days before the surrender, I was informed by Gen-

eral Hull, we had 400 rounds of 24 pound shot fixed and about

100,000 cartridges made. We surrendered with the fort 40 bar-

rels of powder and 2500 stand of arms.

The state of our provisions had not been generally under-

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              351

stood. On the day of the surrender we had fifteen days of

provision of every kind on hand. Of meat there was plenty

in the country, and arrangements had been made for purchas-

ing and grinding flour. It was calculated we could readily

procure three months' provisions, independent of 150 barrels

flour, 300 head of cattle which had been forwarded from the

state of Ohio, and which remained at the river Raisin under

Capt. Brush, within reach of the army.

But had we been totally destitute of provisions, our duty

and our interest undoubtedly was to fight. The enemy invited

us to meet him in the field.

By defeating him the whole country would have been open

to us, and the object of our expedition gloriously and success-

fully obtained. If we had been defeated we had nothing to

do but to retreat to the fort, and make the best defense which

circumstances and our situation rendered practicable.  But

basely to surrender without firing a gun-tamely to submit

without raising a bayonet-disgracefully to pass in review be-

fore an enemy as inferior in quality as in the number of his

forces, were circumstances, which excited feelings of indigna-

tion more easily felt than described. To see the whole of our

men flushed with the hope of victory, eagerly awaiting the ap-

proaching contest, to see them afterwards, dispirited, hopeless

and desponding, at least 500 shedding tears because they were

not allowed to meet their country's foe, and to fight their coun-

try's battles, excited sensations, which no American has ever

before had cause to feel, and which, I trust in God, will never

again be felt, while one man remains to defend the standard of

the Union.

I am expressly authorized to state that Col. M'Arthur and

Col. Findlay and Lieut Col. Miller viewed this transaction in

the light which I do. They know and feel, that no circum-

stance in our situation, none in that of the enemy, can excuse

a capitulation so dishonorable and unjustifiable. This too is the

universal sentiment among the troops; and I shall be surprised

to learn, that there is one man, who thinks it was necessary to

sheath his sword, or to lay down his musket.

I was informed by General Hull the morning after the

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352       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

capitulation, that the British forces consisted of 1800 regulars,

and that he surrendered to prevent the effusion of human blood.

That he magnified their regular force nearly fivefold, there can

be no doubt. Whether the philanthropic reason assigned by

him is a sufficient justification for surrendering a fortified town,

and army and a territory, is for the government to determine.

Confident I am, that had the courage and conduct of the general

been equal to the spirit and zeal of the troops, the event would

have been brilliant and successful as it now is disastrous and

dishonorable.      Very respectfully, sir,

I have the honor to be,

Your most obedient servant,

LEWIS CASS, Col.

The Hon. WILLIAM EUSTIS,              3d Regt. Ohio Vol.

Secretary of War.

 

Besides the facts so clearly and lucidly stated in Col. Cass'

report, there are other material and important facts that ought

to be made public which would not perhaps properly enter into

a military report. Let one suffice for the present.

After the surrender of Detroit, the British and American

officers of necessity mingled together and entered into conver-

sation. In conversation with Col. Cass, on the subject of the

present war, its probable duration, etc., an officer of the British

army, of as high a grade as captain, said, in such a manner as

evidenced his own belief in it, that the New England States

WOULD REMAIN        NEUTRAL in this war; that a CON-

VENTION WAS TO MEET IN MASSACHUSETTS, the

object or effect of which would be to ensure this neutrality!

Col. Cass told the officer he had mistaken the character of his

(Col. Cass's) countrymen. We trust in Heaven he had; but

the doctrine lately laid down as orthodox in Fanuil Hall, with

the contemporaneous language of the federal prints, had a most

"awful squinting" towards such a state. We publish this fact

at the present moment with no other view than to shew to the

opposition how an enemy, judging from their conduct, has dared

to calculate on the disaffection to the general cause.

Nat. Intel.

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             353

CHILLICOTHE, October 7.

Important.- The advance of the northwestern army, con-

sisting of Payne's brigade of Kentucky volunteers, Garrett's

troop of horse, and the 17th regiment of regulars, all under

the command of Brig. Gen. Winchester, moved, not long since,

from fort Wayne towards fort Defiance. By Colonel James

Dunlap, who has lately arrived from fort Wayne, we under-

stand, that, on last Wednesday General Harrison, at St. Mary's,

received an express from Gen. Winchester, giving the informa-

tion, that the American army lay encamped near fort Defiance;

that the British and Indians to the number of 3000, lay within

three miles; and that they had six field pieces. General Har-

rison immediately marched for fort Defiance, with more than

2000 mounted riflemen. Gen. Tupper and a few of the Ohio

officers, started, also, to join the corps of the mounted volun-

teers. This account confirms the information, transmitted by

Gen. Kelso, of Pennsylvania, to Gov. Meigs. We shall, prob-

ably, soon hear of a battle-and we trust, the result will be

glorious to our country.

We understand, that Col. Samuel Finlay's regiment, of

mounted riflemen, and Major Jenkinson's battalion, (both Ohio

volunteers) have marched with Gen. Harrison to fort Defiance.

We understand, that Gen. Tupper's brigade of Ohio volun-

teers, has marched towards Manary's block-house.

 

 

 

NEW LISBON, October 2.

It is confidently reported that General Harrison with an

army of 6000 men has had an engagement with a corps of 300

British and 2000 Indians at Ft. Wayne; that the enemy left

1000 killed on the field of battle -and that the loss on our side

is about two hundred in killed and wounded.

From the late preparations and movements of the army

under Gen. Harrison there is no doubt that a battle has taken

place before this time - and it is very probable that tomorrow's

mail will furnish us with some particulars, if not official ac-

counts, if the above report should not prove premature.

Vol. XXVIII- 23.

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354       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

A few days ago a small party of British landed at San-

dusky; shortly after a party of our militia appeared in sight,

when a signal gun was fired for the British to repair on board

their vessels, which was immediately done - from this has

grown a mighty tale.

 

 

Issue of October 28, 1812.

(From the Western Intelligencer.)

The council with the Indian tribes on the western frontier

having been concluded, the commissioners deem it their duty

to give to their fellow citizens a concise view of the proceed-

ings and result.

The Delaware and Shawanoe tribes together with several of

the Kickapoos, Seneca, Mingoe and Wyandots attended.

The commissioners according to their instructions have en-

deavored to ascertain their views and dispositions. They in-

formed them of the inevitable consequence of any act of hos-

tility on their party. That the president stood in no need of

their assistance in the war with G. B. and that for their own

sakes he desired them to remain quiet and pursue their usual

occupations. -The chiefs in behalf of the tribes that attended

have made professions of friendship and attachment to the U.

S. have in the most positive manner declared their determina-

tion to adhere to and observe the existing treaties, to remain

neutral in the present war, and to reject the overtures of the

British (which they state to have been repeated and pressing,)

to engage in it-They have engaged by the most solemn

promise to restrain their young men from hostile acts against

us, and have agreed to be responsible for their conduct, and to

prohibit hostile Indians from going to their towns, and to give

notice of any premeditated hostility-The commissioners pre-

sume not to judge of the sincerity of professions, especially of

the professions made by savages it being the alone prerogative

of the supreme ruler of the Universe to judge the heart, but

considering that their conduct will accord with their obvious

interest, and having taken every possible means to ascertain their

views, have from the result of their inquiries formed the opinion

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              355

that their professions are sincere, and accordingly in virtue of

their instructions given the tribes who attended assurance that

no act of hostility will be committed against them by any citi-

zens of the U. S. while they observe a peaceable conduct.

The commissioners were of opinion that the non-attendance

at the council by any tribe after having been invited, was such

evidence of an hostile disposition, as to justify the suspension

of the delivery of their annuities or presents - No goods, either

as annuities or present, have been delivered except to the tribes

who attended, nor has ammunition or other implements of war

been given in any case.           R. J. MEIGS

 

T. WORTHINGTON,

J. MORROW,

Commissioners.

 

BUFFALO, October 13, 1812.

From several of the American prisoners who were cap-

tured on board of the Adams we have the following account

from Detroit:

The Adams left Malden on the 5th and arrived at Port

Erie on the 8th. They state that the expedition which went

against Fort Wayne on the 14th of September, had returned to

Malden on the 4th of October unsuccessful. The expedition

consisted of about 400 regulars and militia, and 1500 Indians -

they had proceeded towards Fort Wayne until they came within

I6 miles of an American army, which they learned from a

prisoner their spies took, to be Harrison's. They then precip-

itately retreated, leaving much of their ammunition, etc., on the

ground. It was understood at Maiden that Harrison was ad-

vancing upon Detroit, with his army. -The Queen Charlotte

was detained at Detroit, on account of the expected arrival of

Gen. Harrison. At Detroit much property had been destroyed

by the Indians. The town was full of Indians. It is much feared

that the savages will massacre all the Americans at Detroit.

The above gentleman did not understand that any scalps were

paid for by the British. The British commanders had in several

instances ransomed American prisoners taken by the Indians.

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356       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

LEXINGTON, (Ky.) Oct. 13.

Extract of a letter to the editor, dated, fort Defiance, October

3, 1812.

"The north-western army, under the command of Gen.

Winchester, marched from fort Wayne, on the 22d September,

and pursued Wayne's route down the Miami, towards the old

fort Defiance, where it arrived on the 30th. During the latter

part of the march we were frequently annoyed by the enemy.

Our advance party of spies fell in with a body of Indians, and

a smart skirmish ensued, in which one of the spies was slightly

wounded, and several of the enemy-the exact number could

not be ascertained only from appearance, as the Indians, when-

ever it is practicable, carry off their dead. The day before

Ensign Ligget of the regulars, with four men, were unfortunately

surprised by this party of Indians and scalped. The loss of

Ensign Ligget is much to be lamented, as he was a promising

young officer, remarkable for his bravery and intrepidity. He

had left the company of spies with his four companions, with a

view to examine the country round fort Defiance, and had ad-

vanced several miles ahead of the party, when they were killed.

This annoyance from the enemy greatly retarded our move-

ments, as it was impossible to ascertain to any degree their

situation or force. In crossing the river, however, their whole

movements were discovered. The British with their artillery

from Detroit, and a large party of Indians, were progressing

towards fort Wayne. After engaging our spies, and annoying

our advanced guard, they faced to the right-about and retreated

precipitately. Owing to the peculiar situation of the army,

(being short of provision) it was impossible by forced marches

to interrupt them - supplies have since reached the army.

"Governor Harrison returned to the army on the 2d Octo-

ber and will again act as commander-in-chief, having received

that appointment from the president of the U. States. Gen.

Winchester will act as second in command.  We are now flat-

tered more than ever, with a prospect of success -the cam-

paign, I entertain not the least doubt, will produce incalculable

benefit to the country, and terminate to the honor and glory of

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Ohio in the War of 1812.              357

the Kentuckians. The enemy has in every direction retreated

before us, leaving an extensive territory to be occupied by our

army-where a chain of fortified posts will be established, in

order to facilitate the supplies necessary for a speedy conquest

of Upper Canada. Very extensive arrangements have been made

and are now making to accomplish that object.

"Headquarters will continue at this place for several days,

until suitable fortifications, store-houses, etc., are erected.  In

the meantime the army will be augmented - and at the Rapids

(fifty-six miles below this place,) the Virginia and Pennsylvania

troops will join.

Names of Persons Killed.

"Ensign Liggett, of the 7th regt. regulars.

Alexander McCoy, of Georgetown, Scott's regt.

Wyatt Stepp, Guy Hinton, Wm. Bevis, -      Mitchell, all

of Woodford, volunteers in Capt. Virgil McCracken's company.

 

Another extract, dated, October 4, 1812.

"General Harrison informed the army today, that he had

no doubt from documents which he has just received that the

army driven before us, was the whole British force of Upper

Canada. He leaves us today to join the right wing of the army,

but will join us again at the Rapids-meantime we shall be

engaged in rebuilding the old fort, and probably shall not march

hence under three weeks - but this depends on the movements

of the right wing, at Worcester on the lake."

 

Another of the same date.

"There is no doubt now, but Gen. Har-

[line cut out in binding paper]

discretionary powers. We expect as soon as his whole force

is collected, (which it is supposed will be near 10,000 men) that

he will invade Upper Canada. Very extensive magazines are to

be provided. Seven or eight hundred men start for the Rapids

immediately, where it is supposed they will find an enemy to

disperse.

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358       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

PARIS, (Ky.) October 10.

A letter from Alexander R. Depew, esq., to a gentleman in this

town, dated St. Mary's, October 1, 1812.

This day at twelve o'clock we arrived at this place, after

a rapid journey of forty miles per day. We had heard on the

road that Gen. Harrison was about to march to Detroit, and

we wished if possible to join him before he set out. After we

had passed Piqua about six miles, we met Capt. Trotter, of the

Lexington dragoons, who informed us that Gen. Harrison would

set out with all his army for Detroit in three weeks; that he

had ordered Captain Garrard's troop of horse, from their march

towards fort Defiance, back to this place to recruit their horses

to fight the British in Canada; and that during those three weeks

the mounted volunteers were to scour the frontier towards the

head waters of the Wabash, and destroy all the Indian towns in

that quarter. But an unexpected event, has for a time thwarted

all these designs. A part of the army, composed of three regi-

ments commanded by Cols. Allen, Scott, and Lewis also the

regulars under Col. Wells, and Capt. Garrard's dragoons, all

under the command of General Winchester, were on their march

to fort Defiance, cutting their road as they went, and when they

arrived within about four miles of the fort, they were sur-

rounded by so large a body of Indians, that they were unable

to proceed backwards or forwards. Yesterday about two o'clock

P. M. an express arrived to General Harrison, from General

Winchester, stating that the detachment under his command was

entirely surrounded by a very large number of Indians; that they

had been compelled to fortify their camp, by making a breast-

work of logs on all sides of them. The breast-work is about

five feet high. The express stated that in consequence of the

Indians having surrounded them, they had received no provisions

for several days; that they had nothing but beeves, and but few

of them. And he desired immediate relief, lest his troops should

be either starved to death or cut to pieces by the Indians. Two

hours after the express came Gen. Harrison with his whole

army marched to his relief. The express was brought by Thos.

D. Carneal of Frankfort, and Abraham Ruddell. They say that

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Ohio in the War of 1812.             359

from the trails of the Indians they must be equal to the army

under Gen. Winchester (which is composed of two thousand

men.) They further state that they saw the tracks of four or

five wagons or carriages by which they suppose the Indians have

cannon with them. They further state that five of the spies

belonging to Allen's regiment were killed by the Indians and two

wounded.

The army under General Harrison has advanced about

twenty-five miles from this place. Capt. Trimble and myself

shall set out tomorrow morning at daylight with five or six hun-

dred mounted riflemen and infantry from the state of Ohio to

join the army. We expect to have a battle the day after tomor-

row, which will be the day on which we expect to reach fort

Defiance.

N. B. Richard M. Johnson commands the regiment of

mounted volunteers from Kentucky.

 

 

CHILLICOTHE, October 14.

IMPORTANT.

Extract of a letter from his excellency R. J. Meigs, to a gentle-

man in this place.

[Line showing date, if any, cut out in binding.-EDITOR.]

"Our army of Ohio is encamped at Manary's 4 miles from

the Indian villages. -Gen. Harrison and Gen. Tupper, when

they arrived at fort Defiance found the Indians fled-and the

British artillery supposed to be taken by water down the

Maumee. Gen. Harrison was on Sunday last passing down the

Maumee hoping to cut off their retreat to Brownstown. Two

hundred wagons marched from St. Mary's 3 days ago with bis-

cuit, flour and bacon for Defiance. Fort Wayne is again beseiged

by Indians - The troops of Ohio, Gen. Harrison does not wish

to advance farther than Manary's until he orders.-We have

with us a traveling forge, three ammunition wagons, four pieces

of artillery one thousand two hundred troops one company of

spies, one company of dragoons and at last have tents and camp

equipage in good order. I shall join the army tomorrow."

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360       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

 

 

OCTOBER 17.

We understand that before Gen. Harrison and the mounted

volunteers arrived at fort Defiance the Indians had all fled.

Gen. Winchester pursued them with the detachment under his

command, and General Harrison endeavored to cut off their re-

treat at Brownstown, but was not able to bring them to an en-

gagement. Gen. Harrison has since discharged his mounted vol-

unteers for thirty days' service. Generals Finlay and Kerr, with

the rest of the volunteers from this neighborhood have returned

home. Gen. Harrison is also expected here in the course of a

day or two. Four regiments under the command of Gen. Win-

chester, are now at fort Defiance--two regiments are at fort

Jennings, on the Auglaize river -one regiment is at St. Mary's

-and three regiments of Ohio volunteers are at Manary's

block-house.

 

Issue November 11.

Brigadier General Perkins has returned from a journey to

the headquarters of General Harrison. He was accompanied

on his return by General Harrison. - General Wadsworth will

return home, and General Perkins is to take the command of

the fifteen hundred men and proceed on to join the army under

the command of General Harrison. Gen. Harrison left Huron

on Monday of last week, and we are told that General Perkins

marches with his detachment this week.

 

Issue, November 25.

LATEST FROM GEN. HARRISON.

A letter from Gen. Harrison, dated at Huron (near Cleav-

land) on the 1st of November, inst. to a gentleman in this town,

states -

That he, (Gen. Harrison) had then under his command

4500 men well appointed - that by the 10th he should arrive at

Sandusky-by the 20th he would be at Miami- at this point,

which is only 6 days' march from Detroit, Gen. Winchester, with

2 or 3000 men it is expected will form a junction with Harrison.

-The army was well provisioned.

• 75
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.               361

 

CHILLICOTHE, October 28, 1812.

 

VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS.

Yesterday two regiments of Virginia volunteers, under the

command of Gen. Leftwich, arrived at this place. The appear-

ance of both officers and soldiers is highly honorable to the

patriotic state from which they came. While such men leave

the enjoyments of domestic life, for the dangers and perils of

the field, our national rights will be respected, our wrongs

redressed, and the glory of our fathers will pass unsullied to

remote generations. We understand, they will soon move to-

wards Franklinton, to join the right wing of the western army.

A company of the U. S. regulars under Capt. Elliott, and

a detachment of upwards of 30 regulars under Lieut. Campbell

marched yesterday to Franklinton.

 

 

 

 

 

MEMORANDUM

Of public stores ordered from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh,

in September, 1812, for the use of the northwestern army.

September 9, 10,000 pairs of shoes, 5,000 blankets, 1oo bar-

rels of powder, 1,000 felling axes, 500 spades, 500 shovels, 350

mattocks, 50 pick-axes, 300 facine-axes, 200 grass-hooks, 50

briar-scythes, 30 whip and 30 cross-cut saws, with files, 20 broad-

axes, 20 adzes and three sets carpenter tools, 500 fathom of pack

cords. 21st, 5,000 blankets. 25th, 10,000 pair shoes. 29th,

equipments for 250 cavalry, saddles, bridles, etc., 1,000 axes and

30,000 flints.

List of ordnance and other military stores, sent from Wash-

ington City to Pittsburgh, since 1st September, 1812.

September 18, 20-18 pounders, 8-12 do, 7-6 do, 3--51/2

inch howitzers, 5 boxes of harness, 6 gun carriages for 6 pound-

ers, 20 barrels of musket, 10 barrels of rifle powder.

From Fredericktown.

470 common and 10 wall tents, 200 swords and about 25

pair pistols, 100 reams musket cart'g papr, 700 pounds of

common cartridge paper.

• 76
 

362       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Stores sent from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. September 3,

250 horseman's swords, 250 pair pistols. 8th, 50 reams cartridge

paper and 2 barrels flints. 29th, 10,000 pair woolen socks. Octo-

ber 7, 5,000 round jackets, 5006 pair of pantaloons.

Woolen cloth made up and forwarded immediately to the

west, besides the winter clothing for Col. Miller's regiment

ordered some days before.

100 watch-coats ordered from Philadelphia October 17th.

Stores sent from Harper's Ferry to Pittsburgh from the

11th to the 20th September.   5,000 muskets and bayonets.

1,000 rifles, 500 carbines, 500 pistols, 11O horsemen's swords.

 

 

 

Issue December 2.

 

MILITARY MEMORANDA.

On Sunday last, left this place for the north-western army,

the following munitions of war, etc.

Twenty-eight gun carriages, for eighteen pounders, includ-

ing several brass twelves, sixes and howitzers.

A large quantity of fixed ammunition for cannon, and a

very extensive supply of musket cartridges.

Several traveling forges; and a vast quantity of different

articles necessary for a winter campaign.

These supplies employ a train of nearly one hundred

wagons and teams.    They are conducted by Capt. Joseph

Wheaton, of the quartermaster-general's department, an old

revolutionary officer.

The country looks with anxiety towards the heroes of the

northwestern army. From the preparatory measures which have

been adopted, the complete equipment and extensive supplies

which have been furnished; and above all, from the spirit and

enterprise of the officers and men composing this army, it is

confidently expected that the deeds of this winter's campaign,

will be recorded in the brightest pages of American history.

Pitt. Mercury.

• 77
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              363

 

CHILLICOTHE, Nov. 18.

Gen. Harrison has been to Huron, and has since returned

to Franklinton. The Virginia troops are at Delaware. The

Pennsylvania troops have passed through Mansfield, on their

route to the Rapids. The left wing of the army under Gen.

Winchester is still at fort Winchester (late fort Defiance.)

Col. Puthuff arrived here express this morning from Frank-

linton, which place he left late last night. He states that Gen-

eral Harrison had just received a letter from Gen. Tupper, dated

the ₉th instant, giving information, that his spies which had

been on an expedition to the Rapids of the Miami, discovered

at that place two gun-boats, a schooner and nine batteaux, with

a considerable body of British, Canadians and Indians, who had

visited that place for the purpose of procuring corn and other

produce, and to prevent our troops from descending the river

in boats. A captain of the party was taken prisoner by Gen.

Tupper's spies and brought into camp. On Wednesday last,

Gen. Tupper started with 650 men and one six pounder for the

Rapids, to cut off their retreat, and secure the provisions for

the use of the American army. Gen. Winchester was notified

of Gen. Tupper's expedition. From the character of General

Tupper we have no doubt but every exertion will be used to

accomplish so important a design; and as the men under his

command are select volunteers from his part of the army, we

are conscious they will acquit themselves with honor.

 

 

 

Issue of December 10.

CHRONICLE OFFICE,

FRANKLINTON, (O.) Nov. 19, 1812.

An express arrived here this morning with a dispatch from

Brigadier General TUPPER, containing his report to Gen.

HARRISON, of his late expedition to the Rapids of the Miami,

for the purpose of driving off a body of Indians and British

who had assembled there to take off a quantity of corn which

remains in the fields at that place. Gen. Tupper arrived with

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364      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

his command at the Rapids undiscovered by the enemy, in the

night of the 13th inst. He immediately made a disposition for

passing the river, and some few of our men got over, but the

greater part of them missed the ford and many of them were in

great danger of drowning-they were however rescued by the

few horse which Gen. T. had with him, but lost a part of their

arms. As soon as the day appeared, and they were discovered

by the enemy, the gun and other boats that were in the river,

slipped their cables and escaped down the lake. -The Indians,

however, more brave than their allies, crossed over on horses

and made several violent attacks upon our troops -  They were

received with firmness, driven back, and forced to recross the

river with considerable loss.

Gen. Tupper finding it impossible to cross the river, and

being entirely out of provisions, as the men took nothing with

them except what they carried on their backs, were obliged to

return - four were killed on our side, and one wounded -the

enemy were seen to carry off many of their dead and wounded

in the action on the land, and many more were knocked off their

horses in recrossing the river--The Indians were commanded

by the Wyandot chief Splitlog, who was very conspicuous, be-

ing mounted upon a fine white charger. This chief was sup-

posed to have been killed or wounded, as another Indian was

upon his horse at the close of the action.

The following is the Order issued by Gen. Harrison on the

subject of this Expedition.

NORTH W. ARMY,

HEADQUARTERS, FRANKLINTON, 19th Nov., 1812.

GENERAL ORDERS.

The commanding general returns his thanks to Brigadier

General Tupper and the corps which lately advanced to the

Miami Rapids, for the perseverance, zeal, activity, and bravery

with which they conducted themselves on that enterprise. A

casual circumstance only, and one which neither the general or

his men could control, prevented them from surprising and cut-

ting to pieces a detachment of the enemy, equal in numbers to

their own. The measures of Gen. Tupper, appear to be highly

• 79
 

Ohio in the War of 1812.              365

 

judicious, both in his advance to the enemy, and resisting their

attacks. The general is sorry that any circumstances in an af-

fair which reflects honor on almost the whole of the troops en-

gaged in it, should deserve his censure: Such, however, is

merited, by the small detachment, which, in the face of a posi-

tive order from their commander, left their ranks to gather corn,

and pursue a drove of hogs.- But for this disorderly conduct,

Gen. Tupper would have brought back in safety his whole

command. The commanding general feels, however, so much

more to praise than to blame, in the conduct of Gen. Tupper's

detachment, that he derives no small satisfaction in exhibiting

it as a worthy example of military spirit and enterprise to the

rest of his army.

(Copy.)

NATHL. F. ADAMS,

[title not legible-EDITOR.]

We are informed by Maj. Shannon, of Col. Rayne's regi-

ment of Ohio militia, that the remainder of the detachment, under

the command of Gen. Perkins, would march from Huron for

Sandusky, as soon as a supply of provisions should arrive; that

he met a large convoy of supplies going on, which must have ere

this arrived, so that we think the whole of Gen. Perkins'

brigade must have advanced as far as Sandusky Rapids. It is

said they are there to await the orders of Gen. Harrison.

 

 

Issue of December 16, 1812.

We present our readers a short itinerary of the road from

Pittsburgh by the way of this place and Cleaveland, to Detroit,

together with a few descriptive remarks upon the country

through which it passes. This road is several hundred miles

nigher than to go down the river Ohio and pass up through

the western part of this state. When we consider the con-

veniencies of bridges and ferries on this road, it is preferable

to any other through the state. Until the traveler arrives at

Sandusky rapids, he will every few miles find all the accommo-

dations usually attendant upon civilized life, in a new settlement.

• 80
 

366      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

Before the disaster of Gen Hull, he might have lodged every

night during his journey, from Pittsburgh to Detroit, under the

hospitable roof of civilization.  Every stream that cannot be

forded even in the winter season, has now either a bridge or

a ferry across it, until we arrive at the Miami of the lake.

Previous to our late disasters in the Michigan territory there

was a flourishing settlement at the crossings of this river near

the spot where Gen. Wayne in August, '94, defeated the In-

dians. A collector of the customs was resident here, who, it

was said collected a larger share of the public revenue, than

any other collector on the shore of lake Erie. There was also

at the river Raisin a flourishing settlement of whites both of

French and English descent, scattered along on both sides of

the river for several miles up. The principal settlement on this

river, commenced about four miles from lake Erie, at the first

rapid.

Brownstown is an Indian village, situated a mile above lake

Erie, on Detroit River, opposite Malden.

After the traveler leaves Cleaveland, he may, if he please,

travel on the dry sandy beach of lake Erie, for a considerable

part of the way to Sandusky, through what is improperly

called the Miami Swamp, the country is flat, but not more so,

than the road from Urbana, to Detroit. The traveler is there

subjected to travel a distance of one hundred and forty miles,

without the appearance of a dwelling of civilized man, except

it be occasionally a block-house, until he falls into the road from

Pittsburgh at the rapids of the Miami. We have put down the

names of some of the principal stages from Pittsburgh to De-

troit, the distances of those places from each other, and from

Pittsburgh; and the names of some of the innkeepers on the

route. In some instances we have put down the names of per-

sons who have abandoned their homes since the war, but who

were permanent settlers and will return as soon as our govern-

ment shall resume its authority in the Michigan territory. We

have mentioned no names of persons as resident at any place

this side of Sandusky river who are not now actually residing

at those places.

• 81
 

Ohio in the War of 18I2.                      367

 

Pittsburgh to                Miles                            W. dis.          Inkeep

Beaver ....................... 28                                                                  28

Greersburgh .................. 12                              40

Poland, Ohio ................. 20                             60             Kirtland.

Youngstown .................. 6                               66             Rayne & Hillman

Liberty ....................... 5                                  71             Adams.

Warren   ......................  7                               78

Nelson ....................... 14                                 92             Garret.

Aurora ....................... 10                                 102           Shelden.

Bissel.

Cleveland Mills ............. 20                              122           Miles.

Cleveland Shore on Lake Erie 6                        128           Carter.

Wallace.

Rocky River ................. 7                                135

Dover ........................ 6                                   141           Taylor.

Black River .................. 14                               155           Reed.

Vermilion River .............. 10                            165           Sturges.

Huron   ....................... 20                                185           Sprague.

Rapids of Sandusky .......... 36                           221

Rapids of Miami ............. 34                            255           Spafford.

Raisin River ................. 28                               283           Godfrey.

Brownstown    ................. 18                            301

Detroit  ....................... 18                               319

 

 

This state has given but seven votes for President and Vice-

President of the United States. David Abbot, Esq., did not

attend in consequence of sickness. Every elector present voted

for Madison and Gerry.

 

 

Issue December 23.

FRANKFORT, (KEN.) December 9.

Extract of a letter from   a gentleman in the left wing of the

North Western Army, to the Editor of the Reporter, dated.

"CAMP 6 MILES BELOW FORT WINCHESTER, NOV. 22.

"LOGAN, with 20 or 30 friendly Indians were lately order-

ed by gen. Harrison to examine the movements and situation of

the enemy, and make report to him. At the rapids this party

was discovered, and dispersed.--Logan and six others arrived

a few days ago at our Camp-the rest of the party with Lewis

• 82
 

368      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications. and Black-Hoof escaped in another direction. I have not under- stood that any of them were taken by the enemy. "To day Logan and two of his Indians started towards the Rapids, and returned about ten o'clock at night himself and one of his men wounded.-The third man was left behind to bring the scalps which had been taken from the enemy. Logan was shot thro' the body, and the other Indian through the hip -the one mortal the other but slight. I have not learned all the particulars of this unfortunate affair.-From the very dangerous situation of Logan, it was deemed improper that he should indulge in answering questions, although his composure, presence of mind and cheerfulness, would willingly have satis- fied the curiosity of all who might choose to make enquiries about the battle in which he had been engaged. It seems in passing from our camp, they were early in the day taken prison- ers by party of 8, of which Winamack (a celebrated hostile chief) was one, one other was considered a British officer from the dress. About sunset the prisoners resolved to liberate them- selves, or fall a sacrifice. They succeeded in killing at the same instant Winamack the British officer, and one other Indian (as Logan expressed it;) the 5 remaining after discharging their pieces, fled with precipitancy, leaving those that were killed and two horses. I fear the best efforts of our Surgeons will be unavailing. He has fought bravely, and will die firmly.-I shall deplore his loss as I would that of a great man, for he is really such."

• 83