Ohio History Journal

SOME DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF OHIO.

BY GEORGE DAVENPORT KRATZ, AKRON.

In undertaking to edit the following expresses and com-

munications I have made no attempt to form any connection

between them or, to draw any conclusions from the import of

the letters taken separately. The nature of the communications

prohibits such a procedure. My part has been merely to preface

several of the documents with a few remarks relative to the

state of affairs at the time they were written.

In regard to the original documents, I wish to say that

they have been in my possession for several years. To the best

of my knowledge they have never been exhibited or printed dur-

ing, or previous to, the time I have had them. Although the

documents are for the most part in good condition and easily

legible, which has obviated any trouble in reading them, the

proper place for them is not obscurity in my own hands but con-

tributed to the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society

as Documental History.

The first express is relative to the condition of affairs at

Urbana about the time of the first siege of Fort Meigs. It is

addressed to Col. John Daugherty, Springfield. (Express.)

The letters from  Fort Finly referred to in this express

probably left that place during, or shortly after that place was

itself attacked. From the date of this express it appears likely

that the men mentioned as headed by Governor Meigs had set

out under his command, soon after he had received a communica-

tion from Major William Oliver, dated April 29, 1813, describ-

ing the predicament of Fort Finly at that time. Oliver's letter,

which is given in full in H. S. Knapp's History of the Maumee

Valley (p. 159, 1877 Ed.), states that on April 28th the Indian

allies of the British had attacked the fort from the opposite

shore, the British themselves remaining below. The force of

(396)

Some Documentary History of Ohio.          397

the enemy was at this time estimated at 3,000 with an additional

and unknown number of Indians in the vicinity.

Oliver on the date of his letter to Governor Meigs was in

pursuit of General Clay. Having reached General Clay, Oliver

returned to General Harrison then at Fort Meigs, arriving at

that place on the night of May 4th. During the three days pre-

ceding Oliver's arrival, Harrison had been subjected to the fire

of Indians who had climbed trees near the fort and, the British

batteries on the left of the river. In this position General Har-

rison had been asked, by General Proctor who commanded the

Birtish troops, to surrender the garrison. Harrison refused to

surrender and was soon reinforced by Clay as related above.

Even after General Clay's timely arrival it was not until May

9th that General Proctor finding himself unable to take the fort,

and, seeing his Indians fast leaving him raised the siege and

retired to Malden. It was therefore only reasonable that the

citizens of Urbana should feel the alarm expressed in the fol-

lowing communication:

URBANA, 8th May, 1813.

SIR: From letters received this day from Fort Finly we

learn that Camp Meigs, the headquarters of the North Western

Army is now closely besieged by the British and Indians and a

constant cannonading kept up for several days. It is also stated

that the firing of cannon has been heard at Fort Defiance. We

learn that several hundred men have already marched from the

Second Division headed by Governor Meigs who is to proceed

on by Sandusky to Fort Finly and the Rapids. A number of

citizens of this place and its vicinity have met to consult for the

safety of the frontier and our companions in arms are of opinion

that the only alternative that remains is to reinforce Genl. Har-

rison and reduce the enemy in the Wilderness, or shortly find

him within our settlement. There being a considerable number

of public arms at this place, and some ammunition, it is purposed

by this meeting that all who can possibly leave their homes should

at this all important juncture volunteer for a few days for the

purpose of joining Gov. Meigs at Fort Finly and then determine

whether to reinforce Genl. Harrison or guard our frontier until

a regular draft can be made.

398       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

It is proposed that the persons who on this important occa-

sion volunteer their service, do meet at this place, mounted and

provided with at least eight days provisions, on Monday next,

and proceed immediately on under the command of such persons

as they may appoint. Those who cannot conveniently furnish

themselves with provisions can be supplied along the different

parts of the road. All expenses sent on to different Commts.

will be regularly paid by application to Capt. Joseph Vance of

this town.

COL. JOHN DAUGHERTY.        SAMUEL MCCOLLOCH,

JOSEPH VANCE,

JOHN ENOCH,

DANIEL D. ARMSTRONG,

JOHN W. VANCE,

JOSEPH LEE,

SAMUEL VANCE,

D. MARKISON,

JACOB

DUNCAN MCARTHUR.

The second communication includes a copy of a hand bill

that was forwarded to Urbana relative to the second siege of

Fort Meigs. It is followed by correspondence from William

Ward to G. Whiteman. Ward in the communication to White-

man states the condition of affairs at Urbana and, adds a note

concerning a rumored killing by the Indians between McArthurs

and Menarys which he says cannot be confirmed. The only ad-

dress this communication bears is, G. Whiteman or Col. Daugh-

erty. No town or camp is given.

Western Star Extra.

IMPORTANT.

Extract of a letter from J. C. Bartlett to G. McArthur dated

July 22nd at Upper Sandusky, 1O o'clock p. m., Oliver has

this moment arrived from Fort Meigs with a verbal message

from G. Clay to W. H. Harrison, informing him, that the British

had again besieged that place. They were discovered on the

opposite side of the river yesterday. The Indians had crossed

Some Documentary History of Ohio.         399

over in the night and had succeeded in killing and taking off

seven of the picket guards. The force landed in view of the

fort from their gunboats. They were estimated at 1,500 British

troops, besides those who had taken their positions in the night.

Early last night the enemy took possession of the point on this

side of the river, 200 yards below the fort where they were

erecting batteries; our batteries opened yesterday morning. We

have heard several guns this evening; 10 or 12 gun-boats, (4 of

them rigged) were in view when W. Oliver left the fort. I left

G. Harrison this morning at lower Sandusky. The Commandant

of the militia has at the request of the D. G. Master General,

ordered out mounted men and companies if volunteers cannot

be had to the relief of Fort Meigs.

Scioto Gazette Extra.-Col. Dankorn left Chillicothe last

evening at 5 o'clock; an hour after Col. Bartlette's letter was

received-he was overtaken by an express bringing a letter from

G. McArthur stating that he had received orders from G. Har-

rison to turn out with all possible expedition all the force he

possibly could. In consequence of which the whole of the Second

Division has been ordered out. July 25, 1813.

G. WHITEMAN.

DEAR SIR: The above is a copy of a hand bill that came

forward to Urbana which puts it out all doubt of the fort hav-

ing been attacked. There is a few guns at Urbana, perhaps 200

to 250, some which was not fit for service when the others were

carried away which has since been repaired and the balance was

deposited by Col. Johnston's mounted men on their return home.

There has been a report in circulation that the Indians had

killed some men between McArthurs and Menarys which may

have reached you, but it can't be true as the source can't be

traced.                   I am yours,

WILLIAM WARD.

Another communication to Col. Daugherty relates the failure

of several men to report at Urbana on August 27th. This com-

munication is addressed to Col. J. Daugherty, Comdt. 2nd R.,

4th B. 1st D., O., Militia. It reads as follows:

400       Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

COL. DAUGHERTY,

SIR: The following persons who were drafted and ordered

to rendezvous at Urbana on the 27th of August failed to appear.

Captain Coxes Company-John Hutchinson.

Ensign Clevengers Company-John Enoch, John Alburn,

John Strawbridge.              HENRY VAN METER,

Adgt. 2nd Regt. 4th Brigade,

1st Division, Ohio Militia.

The Fourth communication is from Duncan McArthur at

Chillicothe and is addressed to Col. William Ward, or, Capt.

Joseph Vance, Urbana, Ohio. The postscript is given as ap-

pended to the original document.

CHILLICOTHE, July 2, 1813.

GENTLEMEN: It appears from information just received

from Sandusky that our outposts are again attacked. Every exer-

tion is making here to raise volunteers. I purpose setting out

immediately for the head of Paine, Lebanon, Xenia, and Urbana

for the purpose of raising a few mounted volunteers, and trust

that if the news should reach you before I do, that you will pro-

ceed with your usual exertions and success. I hope to be with

you before you can possibly be ready to march. The Governor

is here and will proceed up the Scioto and do all he can to raise

volunteers. Expresses have been sent to Lancaster and Zanes-

ville. There is a regiment of regulars on their march from Ken-

tucky by this place. Do what you can; all are busy here. Gen-

eral Harrison we expect is at Fort Meigs. In haste yours,

DUNCAN MCARTHUR.

COL. WARD.

COL. DAUGHERTY.

CAPT. VANCE.

JUDGE MCCOLLOCH,

and all friends in the neighborhood of Urbana.

A Brigade Order of later date and addressed to Col. John

Dougherty, or in his absence, Major Thomas Moore, Comt. 2nd

Regt. 1st B. 5th Division Ohio Militia, reads as follows:

Some Documentary History of Ohio.         401

DECEMBER 26th, 1814.

DEAR SIR: In conformity to a call of Genl. McArthur com-

mandant of the Eighth Military District, the commander-in-chief

of the militia of this State having called for one entire company

from the fifth Division, the Major Genl. having called on this

Brigade for one captain, together with his non-commissioned

officers and musicians, and twenty-eight men, to be in readiness

to march at a minute's warning-you are therefore requested, to

have detailed by draft or otherwise, one captain, one drummer,

one fifer, two sergeants, two corporals and eleven privates, to

be held in readiness to march at the shortest notice; it is expected

this order will be put into execution with the least possible delay,

and when the men may be ordered to rendezvous you will report

to me the captain's name, who may be ordered out.

Yours respectfully,

JOSEPH LAYTON, Brigr. Genl.,

Of the 1st Brigade 5th Div., Ohio Militia.

COL. JOHN DOUGHERTY,

N. B.   Sir, it appears from the rank rolls, that you have

two of the oldest captains in the Brigade who have not served a

tour of duty, and lest you should be difficulted suspecting the

dates of their commissions I give them to you, John N. Simon,

June 2nd, 1811, and John M. Cord, Dec ...., 181...  J. L.

A second Brigade order of still later date is addressed to

Col. John Daughity, Champaign County, near Springfield, Ohio.

JULY 12th, 1816.

COL. DAUGHITY:

Sir you are hereby required to peraid at the town of Urban-

ner on the 29th and 30th days of August next with all the com-

missioned officers and regimental staff officers under your com-

mand for the purpose of being trained as the law directs where

you will meet the officers of the Third Regiment.

WM. BUCKLES, Col.

Comd. of the first Brigade, 1st Division,

Vol. XXI- 26.                        Ohio Militia.