History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 12

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882

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BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.

On the morning of the memorable 10th of September, Commodore Perry discovered the enemy bearing down upon him, when he at once made preparation for the conflict, which was accepted on both sides as probably deci- sive of supremacy on the lake, and as certain to have most important bearing on the general contest. The report made by Perry consti- tutes the most compact and interesting account of the engagement to be had. It is as follows :

" UNITED STATES SCHOONER ARIEL, }

Put-in-Bay, 13th Sept., 1813. 5

" At sunrise on the morning of the 10th, the enemy's vessels were discovered from Put-in- Bay, where I lay at anchor with the squadron under my command.

" We got under way, the wind light S. W., and stood for them. At ten A. M. the wind hauled to S. E., and brought us to windward ; formed the line and brought up. At fifteen minutes before twelve the enemy commenced firing. At five minutes before twelve the action commenced on our part. Finding their fire very destructive, owing to their long guns, and it being most directed to the Lawrence, I made sail and directed the other vessels to follow, for the purpose of closing with the enemy. Every brace and bow being shot away, she became unmanageable, notwithstanding the great ex- ertions of the sailing master. In this situation she sustained the action upwards of two hours, within canister-shot distance, until every gun was rendered useless, and a greater part of the crew either killed or wounded. Finding she could no longer annoy the enemy, I left her in charge of Lieutenant Yarnall, who, as I was convinced, from the bravery already displayed by him, would do what would comport with the honor of the flag.

" At half-past two, the wind springing up, Captain Elliott was enabled to bring his vessel, the Niagara, gallantly into close action. I im- mediately went on board her, when he antici- pated my wish by volunteering to bring the schooner, which had been kept astern by the lightness of the wind, into close action.

" It was with unspeakable pain that I saw, soon after I got on board the Niagara, the flag of the Lawrence come down, although I was perfectly sensible that she had been defended to the last, and that to have continued to make a show of resistance, would have been a wan- ton sacrifice of the remaining of her brave crew.

But the enemy was not able to take possession of her, and circumstances soon permitted her flag to be hoisted.

" At forty-five minutes past two, the signal was made for close action. The Niagara being very little injured, I determined to pass through the enemy's line, bore up and passed ahead of their two ships and a brig, giving a raking fire to them from the starboard guns, and to a small schooner and sloop, from the larboard side, at half-pistol shot distance. The smaller vessels at this time having got within grape and can- ister distance, under the direction of Captain Elliott, and keeping up a well-directed fire, the two ships, a brig and a schooner surrendered, a schooner and sloop making vain attempt to escape.

" Those officers and men who were imme- diately under my observation, evinced the greatest gallantry, and I have no doubt that all others conducted themselves as became American officers and seamen."

On the 27th of September the American army set sail for the shores of Canada, and in a short time stood around the ruins of the de- serted and wasted Malden, from which Gen- eral Proctor had retreated to Sandwich, and was with haste making his way to the heart of Canada by the valley of the Thames. On the 29th of September General Harrison was at Sandwich, and McArthur took possession of Detroit and the Territory of Michigan. At this time Colonel Richard M. Johnson's mount- ed riflemen, which had gone up the west side of the River Detroit, rejoined the main army.

On the 2d of October the American army be- gan their march in pursuit of General Proctor, whom they overtook on the 5th. The British were in two lines, occupying the field between the river and a small swamp. The Indians ex- tended from the small to the large swamp, the ground being suitable to their mode of warfare and unfavorable for the cavalry. General Har- rison ordered Colonel Richard M. Johnson with his mounted men to charge and try to break the regular troops by passing through their ranks and forming in the rear. Colonel Johnson gave the right hand body of his cavalry opposite the regulars in charge of his brother James, while crossing the swamp with the remainder he led the way against Tecum- seh and his savage followers. The charge of his brother James was successful. The Kentuckians

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

received the fire of the enemy, broke through the ranks, and forming beyond them produced such a panic by the novelty of the attack that the whole body of troops yielded at once. On the left the Indians fought courageously and the American cavalry were forced to dismount, as their horses were in danger of miring in the swamp. In a few moments, Tecumseh, who more than any other man brought about this war, fell dead from a shot from Colonel John- son's pistol. The British soon gave up the contest, and now all was over but the pursuit of Proctor, who had fled at the commencement of the action.

Such were the glorious vietories of our arms over the British and Indians. Commodore Perry had conquered on Lake Erie, and the brave Harrison and his army at the Thames. This last contest practically ended the war in the Northwest. Tecumseh had fallen, the In- dians lost their power and prestige, and the British having been thoroughly defeated gave but little trouble afterwards.

Controversy has arisen as to " Who killed Tecumseh ?" but the fact that James Knagys and Medard Labadie, who were personally well acquainted with Tecumseh, who lived on the River Raisin for many years both before and after the War of 1812, and who frequently stated all the facts and details, and who car- ried Colonel Richard M. Johnson wounded from the field, were esteemed by those who knew them as good authority for any statement they might make, has settled the controversy. The affidavit of James Knaggs having reference thereto will be perused with interest, and is regarded as conclusive proof of the statements therein made by those in this vicinity, by whom he was held in high esteem. General Cass, in the presidential campaign of 1840, was accompanied through this State by Mr. James Knaggs and Medard Labadie, who occupied the platform and were exhibited as the cour- ageous soldiers who carried Colonel Johnson from the field. The General stated frequently his belief that Colonel Johnson was entitled to the credit generally awarded him of being the hero who killed by a pistol shot the great Indian chieftain, and from the fact that General Cass was an officer in the same engagement, full credence was given to his statement. The recognition of the kind offices of James Knaggs at the battle of the Thames by a letter now in

the possession of John Knaggs, the son of James, I have been recently permitted to copy, and annex hereto.

CITY OF WASHINGTON, June 6, 1841. Major James Knaggs -

MY DEAR OLD FRIEND: I have received your kind and esteemed favor, wishing me a safe arrival home among my friends. I truly and sincerely thank you for the friendship which you have shown to me; and if ever it should be in my power to serve you, I am ready and willing. That you may live long to enjoy the blessings of that Government which you have defended, is the prayer of your devoted friend and fellow citizen, RICHARD M. JOHNSON.

The following is the affidavit of James Knaggs:

STATE OF MICHIGAN, L SS.

County of Monroe,

James Knaggs deposeth and saith: I was attached to a company of mounted men called Rangers at the battle of the Thames in Upper Canada in the year 1813. During the battle we charged into the swamp, where several of our horses mired down, and an order was given to retire to the hard ground in our rear, which we did. The Indians in front of us, believing we were retreating, immediately advanced upon us with Tecumseh at their head. I distinctly heard his voice, with which I was perfectly familiar. He yelled like a tiger, and urged on his braves to the attack. We were then but a few yards apart. We halted on the hard ground and continued our fire. After a few minutes of very severe firing, I discovered Colonel Richard M. Johnson lying on the ground with one leg confined by the body of his white mare, which had been killed. My friend M. Labadie was with me. We went up to the Colonel (with whom we were pre- viously acquainted) and found him badly wounded, lying on his side with one of his pistols lying in his hand. I saw Tecumseh at the same time, lying on his face dead, and about fifteen or twenty feet from the colonel. He was stretched at full length and was shot through the body, I think near the heart; the ball went through his back. He held his tom- ahawk in his right hand (it had a brass pipe on the head of it) ; his arm was extended as if striking, and the edge of the tomahawk was

DISTRESS OF SETTLERS.

stuck in the ground. Tecumseh was dressed in red speckled leggings and a fringed hunting shirt; he lay stretched dircetly towards Colonel Johnson. When we went up to the Colonel, we offered to help him ; he replied with anima- tion, "Knaggs, let me Jay here and push on and take Proctor." However, we liberated him from his dead horse, took his blanket from his saddle, placed him in it and bore him off the field. I had known Tecumseh from my boy- hood -we were boys together. There was no other Indian immediately around where Te- cumseh and Colonel Johnson lay, though there were many near thesmall ereek a few rods back of the place where Tecumseh fell. I had no doubt then and have none now that Tecumseh fell by the hand of Colonel Johnson.

(Signed) JAMES KNAGGS.

Sworn to and subscribed before me the 22d day of September, 1853.

B. F. H. WITHERELL, Notary Public.

Colonel Johnson stated at the time and after- ward often reiterated it, that he killed an Indian with his pistol, who was advancing upon him at the time his horse fell under him. The testi- mony of Captain Knaggs shows conclusively that it could have been no other than Tecumseh. The foregoing transaction is of no little im- portance in our history, as the ball that bore with it the fate of the great Indian warrior dissolved at once the last great Indian confed- eracy and gave peace to our frontier.

Some thirteen months intervened between the surrender of General Hull and the occupa- tion of Detroit and River Raisin by Colonel McArthur, during the most of which time the Territory was under martial law, the inhabi- tants were plundered and subject to every kind of indignity, and nearly all of the inhabitants that were prominent and that had been identi- fied in sympathy and feeling with the Ameri- can cause were, in the midst of a bitter cold winter, compelled to leave the country by the barbarous and inhuman command of Colonel Proctor.

Notices, of which the following is a copy, were sent to the prominent men of Detroit, viz. :

"I am ordered by Colonel Proctor to say that he expects you will be prepared to leave the

country on Friday next, in company with a number of American citizens from this place.

(Signed) WILLIAM JONES."

These orders were followed by a protest that was very numerously signed and presented to Colonel Proctor by the citizens, a copy of which follows :

" Whereas, it has been signified to us, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, resi- dent at Detroit, in the Territory of Michigan, by Colonel Henry Proctor, the British con- manding officer, that it is his will and pleasure we should depart from and leave the said Ter- ritory, and he so orders and directs it, leaving behind us at the same time, as we necessarily must, our dearest families and relatives, exposed to the cruelties and evils incident to a state of war, and our property at the mercy of the maurading savages."

This appeal was disregarded, and the citizens in the month of February were compelled to leave. The Canadians living in Detroit were protected from plunder by marking their cattle with a red mark, while the American citizens suffered the loss of all of their property. At this time the residents at the River Raisin were reduced to such a state of starvation that they resorted to boiling down hay, using it as a sub- stitute for tea, for nourishment. To give some idea of the destitution at Detroit and the River Raisin Judge Woodward writes thus to James Monroe, Secretary of War :

" The desolation of this country is beyond all conception. No kind of flour or meal is to be procured, and nothing for the subsistence of cattle, no animals for slaughter, and more than half of the population destitute of any for do- mestic or agricultural purposes; the fencing of the farms entirely destroyed by the incur- sions of the enemy for fuel for the military ; their houses left without glass, and in many instances even the flooring burned; their clothing plundered from them by the Indians. It is a literal fact, and it will scarcely be deemed possible to shock the feelings of human nature so much as to state it, that the inhabi- tants of the River Raisin have been obliged to resort to chopped hay, boiled, for subsistence. Many, possessing neither firmness of mind or body sufficient to sustain the calamities with which they have been assailed, have sunk into

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

the asylum where the wicked cease to trouble and the weary are at rest."

In reply to these representations the Secre- tary of War authorized Governor Cass to dis- tribute $1,500 to the settlers on the River Raisin, and the money was expended in flour. Every precaution was used in the distribution, and in order that this might not be misapplied the Governor determined "that a certificate should

be given by the commanding officer of the company in whose bounds the applicant re- sides, stating his infirmity or inability to sup- port himself, which certificate shall, if the per- son be of the Roman Catholic religion, be countersigned by the Rev. Mr. Richard and a justice of the peace, and if a person is not of the Roman Catholic religion it shall be coun- tersigned by two justices of the peace."

CHAPTER VIII.

CORRESPONDENCE OF COLONEL PROCTOR, COMMANDER OF BRITISH ARMY AT BATTLE OF RIVER RAISIN, AND REPORTS AFTER THE BATTLE.

T THE following reports and correspondence between Colonel Proctor and General Sheaffe were obtained from the archives of the Canadian capital by Judge Woodward :

SANDWICH, January 25, 1813.

Major- General Sheaffe, Fort George -

MY DEAR GENERAL : In my last dispatch I acquainted you that the enemy was in the Michigan Territory and that he was march- ing on Detroit. I therefore deemed it requisite that he should be attacked without delay and with all and every description of force within my reach. Early on the morning of the 19th inst. I was informed of his being in possession of Frenchtown, on the River Raisin, twenty- six miles from Detroit. After experiencing every resistance that Major Reynolds, of the Essex militia, had it in his power to make with a three-pounder well served and directed by Bombardier Kitson, of the Royal Artillery, and the militiamen whom he had well trained to the use of it, the retreat of the gun was covered by a brave band of Indians, who made the enemy pay dearly for what he obtained. The Indians fell back eighteen miles to Brownstown, the settlement of the brave Wyandots, where I directed my forces to assemble. On the 21st inst. I advanced twelve miles to Swan Creek, whence we marched to the enemy and attacked him at break of day on the 22d inst., and after experiencing for our number a considerable loss, about half of the enemy's forces posted in houses and enclosures, and which in the dread of falling into the hands of the Indians they most obstinately defended, at last surrendered at discretion. The other part of their force, in attempting to return whence they came, were, I believe, all, or perhaps excepting a very few, killed by the Indians. Brigadier-General Winchester was taken in the pursuit by the Wyandot chief, Round-Head. He was cut off

from those who were posted and whom he afterward surrendered.

I had much difficulty in bringing the Indians to consent to the sparing of the lives of those that were wounded. You will perceive that I have lost no time; indeed, there was none to spare, as they would have been joined by Mr. Harrison in a few days, and the people of De- troit had already begun to show themselves. The troops, the marines and militia displayed great bravery ; all behaved well. Where so much zeal and spirit was displayed by all, it would be unjust to attempt to particularize. I shall only mention some of the wounded : Lieutenant Colonel St. George, who received four wounds in a gallant attempt to occupy a building favorably situated by the enemy for our annoyance ; Lieutenant Kerr, of the Royal N. F. L. regiment, who I fear is very danger- ously wounded (since dead). The zeal and courage of the Indian department never were more conspicuous than on this occasion. The Indian warriors displayed their usual courage. I am much indebted to the different depart- ments, the troops, etc., having been well and timely supplied with every requisite the district can afford. We feel the insufficiency of surgical assistance. If the Indians had not appeared quite as soon in the enemy's rear, which deter- red them from quitting their fastness, scarcely a man could have escaped death.

I send my aid-de-camp, Acting Lieutenant McLean, with this dispatch. He will be able to answer any questions respecting the affairs at Frenchtown that you may be desirous of asking concerning our situation here generally.

I have decided to the best of my judgment respecting the prisoners, which is to send them by the River Thames, to be passed over on your frontier. The reasons for not sending them back the route by which they came are so obvious that I shall not, except required, ob-

[73]

HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, MICHIGAN.

trude them on you. Indeed, I see no option or arrangement that could be made but the one directed. I fortunately have not been deprived of the services of Lieutenant Troughton, of the Royal Artillery, and acting in the quarter- master-general's department. Though he was wounded, I am indebted much to his zeal and unwearied exertions. I could wish his continu- ance in the quartermaster-general's depart- ment. Were it not unjust to particularize any corps, where all did their utmost, I would men- tion the zeal and courage of the Royal Artillery. Each officer is deserving of being named, could I do it within the compass of a dispatch. I enclose a list of the killed and wounded. I lament there being so many of both, but of the latter a large portion will soon return to duty, and most of them before long. Before the re- duction of my force I had too few for the de- fense of the frontier. May I not hope that you will send me a company of the Forty-First Regiment? You are aware of the insufficiency of my means. I also send a return of the arms, ammunition, etc., taken on the 22d inst. ; likewise of the prisoners, whom you will per- ceive to be equal to my utmost force, exclusive of the Indians, who though a powerful aid are an uncertain one, being dependent on success, and which would have strongly appeared had I failed on the 22d inst. Nor could I have been sure of the militia in the event of any disaster. I have not heard it officially, but I believe a party of the enemy of 100, bringing 500 hogs for General Winchester's force, has been completely cut off. I shall defer until the next opportunity, which shall be in a few days, saying anything more, having already detained Lieutenant McLean too long, of whose courage and exertions displayed on the 22d inst. I would speak, did I think it just to attempt particu- larizing any one, especially when I may be sup- posed partial. I remain, my dear General, faithfully yours,

HENRY PROCTOR. Colonel Commanding.

Extract from a letter from Colonel Proctor : SANDWICH, February 1, 1813.

I have hastened off for many reasons the General and the other prisoners, excepting the wounded, and a few others whom the Indians are bringing in. I shall also be under the ne-

cessity of sending several from the depot of treachery, Detroit. I shall endeavor to send correct returns (nominally.) of both, with my recommendation of the disposal of the latter. My opinion of the enemy is not more favorable than it was, from what I have seen and heard of them. They were armed with knives and tomahawks, and some of them used them ; they fired at the wounded as they lay on the ground, themselves behind enclosures and in buildings. Every art, every means have been employed to prejudice and influence these misguided people against us. There have been some in- stances, I am sorry to say, of Indian barbarity, but the example was set by the enemy, and they came to seek them I know one shall be vilified, for the truth is not in them. I have not anything to accuse myself of.

I enclose you an extract of a letter from General Winchester just previous to his de- parture. I also enclose returns, by which you will perceive what my force was when I at- tacked the enemy and what it is at present. If you do not send me as many as will replace those who are in consequence of the affair of the 22d unfit for service, I mean of the Forty-First Regiment, very serious consequences may fol- low the enemy's advance, which should be ex- pected, and immediately. We shall do our duty, but that will not save the country though it may our eredit. I have been given to un- derstand that General Harrison is at the foot of the rapids, so that no time should be lost in moving on, if they should not be already on the way here, whatever assistance can be af- forded.

I fear I shall not be enabled, without delay- ing the express too long, to send you a more correct return of the prisoners than I already have done. You shall receive it, however, before the prisoners can reach you.

FEBRUARY 2D.

Major- General Sheaffe :

General Harrison has sent, with a flag of truce, the person to whom the enclosed order is directed. You will perceive his object to be the gaining of information. I shall keep the gentleman and send some person to him. He is at the foot of the rapids, and we may ex- pect him with more thousands than I can find hundreds. The Indian force is a strong aid

CORRESPONDENCE OF COLONEL PROCTOR.

when there is a probability of success, but any reverse would quickly disperse it. Our militia force depends also on success in a great meas- ure. I have had some little experience of both. You will see how much I am in need of officers. The wounds are in general not dangerous; they are, however, severe ones. I shall say no more. My situation is well known to you, and I trust you will afford me speedy aid.

(Signed) HENRY PROCTOR, Colonel Commanding.

WHEREAS, It hath been signified to us, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, residents of Detroit, in the Territory of Michi- gan, by Henry Proctor, the British command- ing officer, that it is his will and pleasure we should depart from and leave the said Terri- tory, and he so orders and directs it, leaving behind at the same time, as we necessarily must do, our dearest relatives exposed to all the casualties and evils incident to a state of war, and our property at the mercy of marauding savages :

Resolved, Therefore, that we consider the said order of the said Colonel Proctor as a flagrant and gross violation of the third article of the capitulation made and concluded at Detroit on the 16th day of August last, and by reason whereof this place was surrendered to the British flag.

Resolved, Secondly, that it is a duty we own to ourselves and to our country to resist man- fully and spiritedly, by all the powers of reason and argument, every unwarrantable attempt upon our personal rights that is not strictly compatible with the articles of capitulation.

WHEREAS, We entertain a very sensible and thorough conviction that a military officer, by an unjustifiable and wanton invasion of the private rights of an individual, may not only incur the displeasure of his own Government but will lay himself personally responsible to the individual injured :

Resolved, Therefore, thirdly, that for every violation of our rights and privileges attended with an injury to our persons or property, we will make a solemn appeal in the dernier ressort to the umpire of the law.

Resolved, Fourthly, that we entertain a high sense of the honor of a military parole and the virtuous and delicate use that ought to be made

of it, as likewise the necessity and the pro- priety of a strict and exemplary neutrality as long as we remain under the British flag and are protected in our persons and property, agreeable to the true spirit and letter of the articles of capitulation.

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History of Monroe County, Michigan, Part 12

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: New York, Munsell & company Number of Pages: 882

Author: Wing, Talcott Enoch, 1819-1890, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: New York, Munsell & company
Number of Pages: 882