USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of Fort Wayne, from the earliest known accounts of this point, to the present period. Embracing an extended view of the aboriginal tribes of the Northwest, including, more especially, the Miamies with a sketch of the life of General Anthony Wyane; including also a lengthy biography of pioneer settlers of Fort Wayne. Also an account of the manufacturing, mercantile, and railroad interests of Fort Wayne and vicinity > Part 26
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Soon after daylight, the Indians were put to flight in different direc- tions, and the battle was ended-the power of the Prophet was broken, and the plans of Tecumseh forever frustrated and destroyed.
The force of the Indians was estimated at from six hundred to one thousand ; whlie their killed was greater than ever known before. "It's certain," says M'Afee, " that ro, victory was ever before obtained over the northern Indians, where the numbers were anything like equal." It was " their custom," continues he, " always to avoid a close action, and from their dexterity in hiding themselves, but few of them could be killed, even when they are pouring destruction into the ranks of their enemies. It is believed that there were not ten of them killed at St. Clair's defeat, and still fewer at Braddock's. At Tippecanoe, they rushed up to the bayonets of our men, and, in one instance, re- lated by Captain Snelling, an Indian adroitly put the bayonet of a soldier aside, and clove his head with his war-club, an instrument on which there is fixed a triangular piece of iron, broad enough to pro- ject several inches from the wood. Their conduct, on this occasion," continues M'Afee, " so different from what it usually is. was attributed to the confidence of success with which their Prophet had inspired them, and to the distinguished bravery of the Winnebago warriors." The loss of the Americans was sixty killed, and about one hundred and thirty wounded ; among the killed was the distinguished Jo Daveiss, of Kentucky.# The Indians had not determined to attack the camp #M'Afee.
tAn uncle of John P. Hedges, Esq., of our city, who was in the engagement, and who Was also badly wounded, avers that the Indians, under the inspiration and assurances of the Prophet, " went in," " cutting and slashing " most fearlessly and indifferently ; but that they readily lost faith in him when they saw each other falling, pierced by the musket and riile balls of the white men.
¿Says a note in Ellis' life of Tecumseh: " Jo Daveiss was, in many respects, 'one of the most remarkable men of his time. As a lawyer he had few equals-being considered the father of the Kentucky bar. He was very singular in his habite, traveling his cireuit
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HISTORY OF FORT WAYNE.
until after night-fall. Their original plan was to meet the Governor in council the next day, and then for two Winnebagoe chiefs, " who had devoted themselves to certain death, to accomplish their design," were to loiter about the camp after the council had broken up, and, killing the Governor, a war-whoop from them was to be the signal of a general attack."
The Indians about the Wabash, after the battle of Tippecanoe, be- came very quiet, and most of them returned to their homes and villages.
Among the tribes engaged in this conflict, were the Shawanoes, Pottawattamies, Winnebagoes, Kickapoos, &c. After the burial of the dead, and caring for the wounded, the army began its return march on the 9th of November ; and on the 18th Governor Harrison was welcomed to Vincennes by a body of some two hundred of her citizens ; and in the following month a vote of thanks was tendered him by the Kentucky legislature.
While the Prophet was engaging the army of Gov. Harrison, Te- cumseh was in the south rallying the tribes' in behalf of his grand scheme of confederation, little dreaming that his brother had spoiled his plans and broken the chain of his wily efforts ; and when he return- ed, he is said to have been so enraged at his brother, upon learning what he had done, that, in a feeling of great anger, he gathered hold of the hair of his head, and threatened to kill him.
Tecumseh now thought of peace; visited Gov. Harrison again, and wished to call upon the President, as the Governor had suggested, be- fore his journey south ; but upon Gov. Harrison not wishing him to take many of his warriors with him, he refused to visit Washington, and his conference with the Governor ended for the' time, and soon after made his way to Ft. Wayne, while the Prophet took up his abode at a village on the Mississinnewa river, about seventy miles south- west of Fort. Wayne.
-which comprised his whole state-in the costume of a hunter, often entering the court room with his rifle in his hands, at the very moment his case was ready for hearing. His extraordinary life was ended at Tippecanoe. He assumed command of a troop of Kentucky horse, after having been defeated by Henry Clay, in the effort, as United States District Attorney to secure the conviction of Aaron Burr."
CHAPTER XVI.
As the dashing billows lavo the beach, And rush back again into the deep, So the war element sought to reach A frenzied height and keep The West still unbless'd.
Assembling of the Indians at Fort Wayne to receive their annuities-Many of them fresh from the scene of the late battle of Tippecanoe-Col. John Johnson, Indian agent here-The old Council-House-Early scenes-Peaceful protestations of the Indians-Tecumseh visits Fort Wayne-Failing to obtain ammunition, he gives the war-whoop and leaves-Depredations begun again on the frontiers-The Ohio mili- tia called out-Command of the army surrendered to Gen. Hull-Army under Hull reaches Urbana, Ohio-Triumphal areh erected-Further movements of the army- The British capture an American schooner-Col. Cass sent to demand its surrender -Gen. Hull proposes to invade Canada-issues a proclamation-Its effects-Recon- noitering expedition under Perry-Tecumseh joins the British-Hull retreats from Canada. and reaches Detroit again-His surrender to the British-Bitter feelings against Hull at this result-The British plan an expedition against Fort Wayne- Surrender of Mackinaw --- Delay in notifying the Forts --- Situation of Fort Dearborn (Chicago) --- Maj. Stickney, Indian agent at Fort Wayne, sends an express to Chica- go --- Relief proposed for Capt. Heald, at Fort Dearborn --- Capt. Wells chosen to carry out the designs of Maj. Stickney --- Wells seleets 30 Miami Indians, and leaves Ft. Wayne for Chicago --- His arrival there --- Situation of affairs --- Wells sees danger ahead --- The fort abandoned --- With blackened face, Wells takes the lead --- The Pottawattamies in ambush --- An attack --- Bravery of the troops --- Death of Wells --- The Miamies fly --- The Indians demand a surrender, which is complied with --- Their treachery --- Bravery of Mrs. Heald --- Division of the prisoners --- Wells' heart cut out and eaten by the Indians --- Escape of the prisoners and safe arrival within the U. S. lines.
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OME DAYS after the battle of Tippecanoe, (on the 22nd of Nov.,) the period for the annual meeting of the Indians to receive their annuities, having arrived, they began to assemble in great num- bers to receive their allotted portions. John Johnson, Esq., was then Indian agent here.
Many of the chiefs in attendance were fresh from the scene of the recent hostilities at Tippecanoe, claiming their respective portions of the annuity equal with the most peaceful of the tribes-representing that the Prophet's followers had him in confinement, and purposed taking his life ; that he was chargeable with all their troubles ; together with many other stories of a similar character, all, more or less, in the main, untrue, especially as regarded the Prophet's confinement, for, at that
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HISTORY OF FORT WAYNE.
time, he was at full liberty on the Mississinnewa. But the stories pre- sented to Col. Johnson had the desired effect and he was induced there- by to inform the Government that the Indians were all favorable to peace, and " that no further hostilities should be committed against them ; " and, " yet says M'Afee," in most of the nations here assembled, a British faction was boiling to the brim, and ready to flow on our devoted frontiers, wherever the British agents might think proper to increase the fire of their hostility."*
The old council-house was located about the spot now occupied by Michael Hedekin, Esq. It was a two-story log building, about sixty feet long, by about twenty wide; and stood but a short distance to the south-west of the fort. It was in this building the agent lived. And it was often an interesting as well as a painful sight to witness the , tall red men, with their painted faces, gaily plumed with feathers and trinkets ; their skins in some instances barely covering their loins, in others measurably dressed in skins, or with a blanket wrapped about them, sitting in groups here and there, or standing at some point re- counting their adventures or misfortunes ; or, having drank freely of "fire-water," were venting their savage ferocity upon each other in hard words or death-blows with the tomahawk or scalping-knife ; the squaws wandering about with their pappooses to their backs, or sitting about with their Indian husbands, all awaiting their turns to receive their an- nuity, or in some way obtain some little favor, if only a pipe or loaf of wheat bread, at the hands of some pale face or friend. Such was life in the vicinity of the council-house and fort here during portions of · many years subsequent to the treaty of Greenville.
The assemblage of the Indians, to receive their annuity at the hands of Col. Johnson, after the battle of Tippecanoe, consisted principally of chiefs and head men of the Miamies, the Delawares, the Pottawat- amies, and Shawanoes. Col. Johnson, on this occasion, delivered them a speech, presenting the importance of an adherence to peaceable relations on the part of the tribes and the United States-telling them that the President was desirous of living in peace and friendship with them ; and that pardon should be granted to any of the hostile tribes who would put away their arms and be peaceable. To which Black- Hoof, a Shawanoe chief, responded in behalf of all the tribes present, assuring the Col. that they all'professed the strongest desire to lay hold of the chain of peace and friendship with the United States. It was be- lieved that this expression was sincere on the part of the Shawanoes and a large number of the Delawares ; but that the Miamies and Pot- tawattamies had little or no intention of being peaceable after receiv- ing their annuities .; Says M'Afee, in his "History of the late war(1812) in the Western Country," page 40, " The Little Turtle of the Miamies, now in the decline of life and influence, was the strenuous advocate of
#Prior to the battle of Tippecanoe, the Governor-General of Canada had informed our Government that the Indians were hostile to the United States ; but it was supposed that he had done so with a view only to remove suspicions as to the course of the British, and to render their intrigues with the Inians the more successful. ¡M'Afce.
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TECUMSEH.
LITTLE TURTLE
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SKETCH OF LITTLE TURTLE-HIS DEATH.
peace, but the majority of his people followed the counsels of Te- cumseh."*
The Indians now made many pretentions to peace. Stone-Eater, with others, visited Fort Harrison, and delivered a talk to Capt. Snell- ing, who, with a small detachment, had taken possession of that post after the battle of Tippecanoe. After professing much friendship, they visited Vincennes, and he told the Governor of their contrition at what had happened, and professed a strong desire for friendship, prom- ising to punish the Prophet, or deliver him up to the United States, as soon as they could get hold of him ; and soon after returned to their homes. Visits were now frequent to see the Governor at Vincennes ;
*It was on the 14th of July of this year (1812) that the famous Little Turtle died in his lodge at the old orchard, a short distance north of the confluence of the St. Mary and St. Joseph, in the yard fronting the house of his brother-in-law, Capt. Wm. Wells. Tur- tle had suffered for many months previous with the gout, and came here from his place of residence, at Little Turtle village, on Eel river, about 20 miles north-west of Fort Wayne, to be treated by the U. S. Surgeon at the fort.
It was a solemn and interesting occasion. After the treaty of Greenville, Turtle had remained the true and faithful friend of the Americans and the U. S. Government, and was mueh beloved and respected by all who knew him. Tecumseh strove hard to gain his confidence and aid, but without effect, for nothing could move him from his purposes of peace and good-will towards the Americans.
In the language of one who was present at his burial : "His body was borne to the grave with the highest honors, by his great cnemy, the white man. The muffled drum, the solemn march, the funeral salute, announced that a great soldier had fallen, and even enemies paid tribute to his memory."
His remains were interred about the center of the old orchard, with all his adornments, implements of war, a sword, presented to him by General Washington, together with a medal, with the likeness of Washington thereon, --- all laid by the side of the body, and hidden beneath the sod in one common grave. The exact spot of his grave is still known to some of the early settlers of Fort Wayne, who still survive among us, Mr. J. F. Hedges among the number.
Turtle had a somewhat remarkable mind. Was, for many years, the leading spirit here, --- unsurpassed for bravery and intelligence, perhaps, by none of his race. Of a very inquiring turn of mind, he never lost an opportunity to gain some valuable infor- mation, upon almost every subject or object that attracted his attention; and sought by every means in his power, during the latter days of his life, to relieve his people from ev- ery debasing habit --- encouraging them only in the more peaceful, sober, and indus- trial relations of life.
In 1797, accompanied by Captain Wells, he visited Philadelphia, where he enjoyed the society of the distinguished Count Volney, and the Polish patriot, Kosciusko, and others. While in Philadelphia, at this period, he had his portrait taken, by order of the President. Stopping at the same house with Turtle, in Philadelpha, was an Irish gentleman, somewhat remarkable as a wit, who made it a point to " pok- fun " at the Turtle whenever an occasion offered. The Irish gentleman and Turtle happening to meet one morning in the studio of Stewart, the artist engaged in painting each of their portraits, the Irishman, observing Turtle in a rather unusually thoughtful mood, began to rally him upon his sober demeanor, and suggested, through Captain Wells, that it was because of his inability to cope with him in the jocular contest. At this the Turtle brightened up. "He mistakes,"said the Turtle, to Captain Wells, in reply ; "I was just thinking of proposing to this man (the painter) to paint us both on one board, and here I would stand, face to face with him, and confound him to all eternity."
Little Turtle was of mixed origin-half Mohican and haif Miami-and the son of a chief ; born at his village, on Eel River, about the year 1747, and very early became the war-chief of the Miamies. In stature, he was short, well built, with symmetical form -prominent forehead, heavy eye brows, keen, black eyes, and a large chin.
Such was Little Turtle, (Me-che-kan-nah-quah)-the bravest among the brave, and wisest among the wise of the Indians of the Northwest of his day-leading an army of braves to sure victory one hour-cutting and slashing, as with the ferocity of a tiger, at one moment,-and as passive and gentle as a child the next. Ever may his gentler and better deeds be perpetuated by the American people.
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HISTORY OF FORT WAYNE.
but Tecumseh and the Prophet, who were known to be still hostile, kept away, and this readily led to the conclusion that but little reli- ance was to be placed upon what was said by many visiting the Gov- ernor, and others in authority, as agents and commandants.
Tecumseh made his appearance at Fort Wayne sometime during the month of December, soon after his return from the south. The result of his brother's efforts had effected him deeply. He seemed to know not which way to turn. His scheme was broken, but his great will still bore him aloft over the impediments that had accu- mulated in his path-way ; and yet he was for war-for freedom-for the extermination of the white race that occupied the ancient hunt- ing ground of his fathers. His air was haughty ; and, says McAfee, he was still " obstinate in the opinions he had embraced. He made bitter reproaches against Harrison ; and, at the same time, had the presumption to demand ammunition from the commandant (here), which was refused him. He then said he would go to his British father, who would not deny him. He appeared thoughtful a while, then gave the war-whoop, and went off."
Such was the spirit in which Tecumseh left Fort Wayne on this memorable occasion ; and " early in the spring of 1812, he and his party began to put their threats into execution. Small parties be- gan to commit depredations on the frontiers of the Indiana and Il- linois Territories, and part of Ohio. Twenty scalps were taken in the Indiana Territory alone before the first of June ; and the people were thus compelled to protect themselves by going into forts along the frontiers. Volunteer companies of militia were organized, and the Indians were frequently pursued, but generally without success, as they fled at once after committing their depredations. Governor Harrison asked permission of the war department to raise a mounted force to penetrate to their towns, with a view of chastising them. But this was refused, the government hesitating to disturb them in that way at that time, fearing least they would take a more active part with the British. Tippecanoe was again occupied, and there the Indians were again planting their corn. By vigorous meas- ures," says M'Afee, "we might have beaten them into peaceable deportment and respect. Mr. Secretary Eustis, of the war depart- ment, thought differently ; and while he was attempting to soothe them with good words, they were laughing at his credulity. To maintain peace with an Indian," continues the same writer, " it is nec- essary to adopt his own principles, and punish every aggression promptly, and thus convince him that you are a man, and not a squaw."
Thus stood affairs in the carly part of June, 1812; and by the 18th of that month, matters had so far approached a war basis be- tween Great Britain and the United States-an issue that had for some months prior been anticipated-that the American Govern- ment had announced a declaration of war against the English gov- ernment. As early as the month of April an embargo was levied
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MOVEMENT OF THE ARMY UNDER HULL.
by Congress on all the shipping in ports of the U. S., and "an act authorizing the President to detach one hundred thousand militia for six months," was adopted and put into force ; while several other acts, authorizing the recruiting of a regular army, were likewise passsd, and the masses were all astir with the feeling and anticipa- tion of war.
During this month the President made a requisition on the State of Ohio for twelve hundred militia, and the famous 4th regiment, under command of Col. Miller, which had sometime before been ordered to the relief of Vincennes, was now ordered to Cincinnati, to join the militia. The Ohio militia had been soon raised, and were ordered by Governor Meigs, of that State, to rendezvous on the 29th of April, at Dayton, at the mouth of Mad river, on the Big Miami. As previously directed by the Secretary of War, on the 25th of May following, Gov. Meigs surrendered the command of the army to General Hull, for sometime previously Governor of Michi- gan Territory, but who, a short time previous to this period, had been appointed a Brigadier-general in the United States army. From Dayton the army under Hull took up its line of march for Staunton on the first of June. From Staunton they marched to Urbana. Here, on the Sth, says M'Afee, they were informed that they would be met that day on parade, by the governor, accompa- nied by many distinguished citizens and some Indian chiefs. On the following day, governor Meigs and general Hull held a council with twelve chiefs, of the Shawanoe, Mingoe, and Wyandot nations, to obtain leave from them to march the army through their terri- tory, and to erect such forts as might be deemed necessary; which was promptly granted by them, and every assistance which they cold give the army in the wilderness was promised. Gov. Meigs had held a council with these Indians on the 6th, in which it was agreed to adhere to the treaty of Greenville.
On the 10th of June, the 4th regiment, under Col. Miller, made its appearance at Urbana, and were escorted into camp through a triumphal arch, adorned with an eagle, and inscribed with the words, "TIPPECANOE-GLORY."*
From Urbana the army, on the 16th, moved as far as King's Creek, and from this point opened a road as far as the Sciota, where they built two block-houses, which they called Fort M'Arthur, in honor of the officer whose regiment had opened the road. To this fort the whole army came on the 19th, and on the 21st Col. Findley was ordered to open the road as far as Blanchard's fork, on the Au- glaize, whither the army, excepting a guard left at Fort M'Arthur, again followed on the 22d. Here, amid rain and mud, another block-house was erected, which was called Fort Necessity. From Fort Necessity the army soon after moved to Blanchard's fork, where Col. Findley had built a block-house, which was called in honor of that officer. A road was shortly after, under command of *M'Afee.
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HISTORY OF FORT WAYNE.
Col. Cass, cut to the rapids, and the main army soon encamped on the banks of the Maumee, opposite the old battle ground of Gen. Wayne, in sight of the village then at the foot of the Rapids, which had the effect to greatly revive the feelings of the soldiers after their tedious march through the wilderness. From this point, after a day or two's rest, the army moved down just below the old British fort Miami, from which the Indians had been so long supplied with ammunition, etc., before their defeat in that quarter, in 1794.
From here, about the last of June, a small schooner was dis- pacthed to Detroit, with about thirty officers and privates, with the muster-rolls of the different companies, accompanied by an open boat, in which were a number of sick soldiers. Fears had previ- ously been entertained that the boat would be captured, but Gen- eral Hull insisted on its departure. In the meantime, the army had again taken up its march, and was to halt again at the river Raisin, whither, upon its arrival there, the army soon learned that the schooner, in attempting to pass Malden, had been captured by the British. The declaration of war was now generally known. From the river Raisin, the army proceeded to the River Huron, fifteen miles, over which narrow stream, on the 4th of July, they built a bridge. From this point, on the 5th, the army proceeded towards Detroit, and soon formed an encampment within view of the place. The northwestern posts were now informed of the dec- laration of war; and the commanding officers of Fort Wayne, De- troit, Michillimackinaw, and Chicago, were ordered by Gen. Hull to place their garrisons "in the best possible state of defence," with- out delay, and to " make a return to Brigade Major Jessup, at De- troit, of the quantity of provisions the contractor had on hand at their respective posts, the number of officers and men, ordnance, and military stores of every kind, and the public property of all kinds."*
On the 6th, Col. Cass was sent with a flag of truce to Malden to demand the prisoners and baggage of the captured schooner; but his demands were not respected, and, being blindfolded, soon after returned to camp with a British officer. The army now, with a view to safety, should the English commence a bombardment, removed to the rear of Detroit.
General Hull now conceived the plan of an invasion of Canada, and on the morning of the 12th of July, the British having moved from their former position towards Malden, in fear of loosing that point, the regiments of Cols. Miller and Cass, at a point about a mile above Detroit, successfully gained the Canadian shore, and soon after, followed by General Hull and others, the stars and stripes were run up from a brick dwelling on the farm of a British officer, by the name of Bambee, and on the same day, General Hull issued his noted proclamation to the inhabitants of Canada, in which he re- quested the Canadians to remain quiet ; to pursue their usual voca-
* Order of General Hull.
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SURRENDER OF DETROIT.
tions, etc .; assuring them that he " came to find enemies, not to make them. I come to protect, not to injure you. Separated by an im- mense ocean and an extensive wilderness from great Britain," said he, " 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 effect of the proclamation was most salutary for the time -many of the inhabitants of Sandwich returning to their dwellings again from the woods, whither they had fled on the approach of the American forces, having been told by the British officers, much like the inhabitants of Kaskaskia, at the time of Clark's movements in the west, that the Americans were an army of cannibals,-worse than savages.
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