The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present, Vol I, Part 54

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Detroit, S. Farmer & co
Number of Pages: 1096

USA > Michigan > Wayne County > Detroit > The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present, Vol I > Part 54

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Last campaign we had great plenty of resources for all the troops which were necessary to make an excursion into the enemy's country, which was then the ultimate view of the Board of War, and to have saved much provisions for the cam- paign. The Regular Troops and new Levies were equal to such an undertaking ; but General McIntosh's views were much more extensive. He was determined to take Detroit ; and with this view, began to build a fort at much labor and expense, at Beaver Creek : and consequently kept, at least, one thousand militia in the field who might have been better employed put- ting in their fall crops and taking in their corn, which was chiefly lost for want of their attendance.

The Fort McIntosh alluded to in the above letters was on the north side of the Ohio, about thirty miles from Pittsburgh. General McIntosh left it on November 5, 1778, with the intention of proceeding to Detroit, but after going about seventy miles he was compelled to give up the attempt for lack of provisions.

On September 24, 1779, Colonel Brodhead wrote to Colonel George Morgan :

I have applied some time past for leave to make an expedi- tion against Detroit, but fear it will again be put off until the season is too far advanced, for, although the operations ought not to terminate before the commencement of winter, yet they ought to be begun early in the fall, and I must inform you that by a late letter I rec'd from Mr. Archibald Steele, it appears that a sufficient quantity of provisions is not yet purchased that he knows of, for such an undertaking ; and why do you con- ceive that five hundred men are now equal to the task of carry- ing that place, which is rendered much stronger by men and works than it was two years ago when 1,800 men were thought necessary ? I conceive it to be next to an impossibility to carry on a secret expedition against that place, whilst the English have goods to engage the Indians in their interest, and we have nothing but words.

On November 10, 1779, he wrote to General Washington as follows :

An expedition against Detroit in the winter season will doubt- less put us in possession of the Enemy's shipping, and, of course. give us the command of Lake Erie. Winter expeditions are gen- erally attended with great loss of Horses and Cattle, except where large magazines of forage are laid in and can be transported. But the British Garrison and shipping will be a full compensation for every loss of that kind and indeed every difficulty we can meet in obtaining it, as it will likewise secure the future tranquil- ity of this frontier. I will endeavor to have everything in perfect readiness and procure the best intelligence that circumstances will admit. I believe a considerable number of Indians will join me, but I have little expectation of supplies except from the French settlements in the vicinity of that post, and as the British yearly cause the inhabitants to thrash out their grain and sell to them for the purpose of filling their magazines, little dependence can be placed on receiving supplies from them ; and the Indians on the River St. Lawrence subsist chiefly upon animal food. * *

* My best intelligence at present is that the enemy have erected a very strong work, near to the Old Fort, and on the only commanding eminence behind the Soldiers' Gardens. That the Garrison consists of three hundred Regulars (some say more) and about the same number of militia ; some of the latter Description it is said will join our Troops on their arrival in that neighbor- hood. The Wyandots, Tawas, Chippewas, and Pottawatomies live in the vicinity of Detroit ; and many of them are, without doubt, under British influence.

Twelve days later he wrote to Washington again :

The Delaware Chiefs inform me that the English at Detroit have refused to supply the Wyandots with clothing, because they had entered into a treaty of friendship with us. They likewise say that the new Fort at that place is finished, and that the walls are so high that the tops of the Barracks can scarcely be seen from the outside ; but they don't know whether there are any Bomb proofs as they are not permitted to go into the Fort. They think the number of soldiers does not exceed three hundred, and some part of that number still remain in the old Fort.

On November 26, 1779, Colonel Brodhead wrote to Zeisberger, the Moravian missionary on the Muskingum, as follows :

I am very anxious to know the strength of the Garrison at De- troit, and likewise the strength of the works, but particularly whether there are any Bomb proofs, and of what construction, whether they are arched with brick or stone, or of wood ; and whether the Bomb proofs are only for the safety of the Enemy's provision and military stores, or whether there are any for the security of the men. What number of cannon are mounted, and of what size, and how the inhabitants stand affected with respect to our cause. If you can employ a proper person to confide in and bring me intelligence of those circumstances, you will render your country essential service ; and you may rely on my paying the spy eighty Bucks, or one hundred, if eighty is insufficient. I intend to send one in like manner to Niagara, to gain similar intelligence.

On February 21, 1780, Colonel Brodhead again wrote to Washington :

By one of our prisoners who lately made his escape from the Wyandots, and who has frequently been at Detroit, I am informed that the new fort erected there has Bomb proofs of wood ; that the walls are very high, fifteen feet thick, and made of fascines and clay ; that the Barracks are sunk some distance into the ground, and that their roof cannot be seen from without ; that it stand :: on a fine commanding piece of ground with a gentle descent each

257

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

way ; likewise, that it is surrounded by a ditch twenty feet wide. The Garrison consists of 450 Regulars ; and the Enemy have 1800 men at Niagara, besides a great number of Indians. If this intel- ligence is true, unless some diversion is occasioned by troops marching up the Susquehannah River, it is not improbable that the enemy may pay us a visit down the Alleghany River next spring ; and I have neither men nor cannon sufficient for this Fort, unless a reinforcement can be spared from the main army. I shall, however, make the best disposition that circumstances will admit, and if possible gain further intelligence from the Dela- wares, who continue their declarations of friendship for us. I beg your Excellency will indulge me with twenty Boat Builders and some armourers early in the spring. If I receive no order to the contrary, and can be supplied with craft, I am determined to drive the Shawnese over the Lakes, which I can do before provi- sions can be furnished for a Capital Expedition.

On the same day he wrote to Governor Reed of Pennsylvania, giving very nearly the same informa- tion.

The following letter from Governor Jefferson to General Washington unfolds many particulars relat- ing to the men and the measures of the time :

WILLIAMSBURGH, Ioth Feb., 1780.

SIR,-

It is possible you may have heard that in the course of last summer an expedition was meditated by one Colonel Clark against Detroit ; that he had proceeded so far as to rendezvous a considerable body of Indians, I believe four or five thousand, at St. Vincents ; but, being disappointed in the number of whites he expected, and not choosing to rely principally on the Indians, he was obliged to decline it. We have a tolerable prospect of rein- forcing him this spring, to the number which he thinks sufficient for the enterprise. We have informed him of this, and left him to decide between this object and that of giving vigorous chastise- ment to those tribes of Indians whose eternal hostility have proved them incapable of living on friendly terms with us. It is our opin- ion his inclination will lead him to determine on the former.

The reason of my laying before your Excellency this matter is, that it has been intimated to me that Colonel Brodhead is medi- tating a similar expedition. I wished, therefore, to make you acquainted with what we had in contemplation. The energetic genius of Clark is not altogether unknown to you. You also know (what I am a stranger to) the abilities of Brodhead, and the particular force with which you will be able to arm him for such an expedition. We wish the most hopeful means should be used for removing so uneasy a thorn from our side. As you alone are acquainted with all the circumstances necessary for well informed decision, I am to ask the favor of your Excellency, if you should think Brodhead's undertaking is most likely to produce success, that you will be so kind as to intimate to us, to divert Clark to the other object, which is also important to this state. It will, of course, have weight with you in forming your determination, that our prospect of strengthening Clark's hands sufficiently is not absolutely certain. It may be necessary, perhaps, to inform you that these officers cannot act together, which excludes the hopes of insuring success by a joint expedition. I have the honor to be, with the most sincere esteem, Your Excellency's

Most obedient and most humble servant,

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

On April 24, 1780, Brodhead wrote to Washing- ton :

As no reinforcement can be had from your Excellency, the in- tended expedition against Detroit must be laid aside until a favor- able turn of affairs takes place, unless you would recommend a junction of Clark's troops with mine.

On May 30 he wrote :

The accounts I have received relative to the British Garrison at Detroit differ widely, some making it to consist of only two hun- dred men, some three hundred, and others upwards of four hundred. This has determined me to send Captain Brady with five white men and two Delaware Indians to Sandusky, to endeavor to take a British prisoner, which I hope he will effect. I have, likewise, offered other Delaware warriors fifty hard dollars' worth of goods, for one British soldier, and they have promised to bring him immediately. Should an intelligent one be brought in, I in- tend to offer him some indulgence upon his giving me the most perfect intelligence in his power.

On September 14, 1780, Brodhead wrote to Wash- ington :

The French inhabitants at Detroit are much in our interest, and wish most heartily to see an American force approaching. I really believe that twelve hundred well appointed men would carry that place without great difficulty ; and I wish for nothing more, when circumstances will admit, than the honor of making the attempt.

Before Brodhead or Clark had an opportunity to make the trial, one Colonel La Balm, who came to America with Lafayette, attempted the capture of Detroit. The story of his failure is thus told, in a letter written by Colonel De Peyster to General Haldimand, dated November 13, 1780 :

A body of Canadians,1 commanded by Colonel La Balm, were defeated on the 5th inst. by the Miami Indians near that village.2 The Colonel and between thirty and forty of his men were killed, and Mons. Rhy, who styles himself aid-de-camp, taken prisoner. They relate that they left the Cahokias on the 3rd of October, with 41 men ; that a large body were to follow them to the Ouia, from whence Colonel La Balm proceeded to the Miamis with one hundred and three men and some Indians, without waiting for the junction of the troops expected, leaving orders for them to follow, as well as those he expected from Post Vincent. His design was to attempt a coup-de-main upon Detroit, but finding his troops, which were to consist of 400 Canadians and some In- dians, did not arrive, after waiting twelve days they plundered the place, and were on their way back when the Indians assembled and attacked them.

In a letter dated three days later, De Peyster says La Balm's force "entered the village, took the horses, destroyed the horned cattle, and plundered a store I allowed to be kept there for the conveni- ence of the Indians."

La Balm's watch set with diamonds, his double- barrelled gun, spurs, regimentals, and some valu- able papers were brought to De Peyster by an Indian. A letter from General Haldimand to Colonel De Peyster, dated January 6, 1781, says," I have received your letter of 15th of November reporting the defeat of Mons. La Balm and transmitting his commission, etc."

Soon after the defeat of La Balm, the proposed expedition of Colonel Clark was again under con- sideration, and on December 13, 1780, Governor Jefferson wrote to Washington as follows:

1 The French were usually so styled.

2 Now Fort Wayne, Ind.

258

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

SIR,-

I had the honor of writing to your Excellency on the subject of an expedition, contemplated by this state, against the British post at Detroit, and of receiving your answer of October the roth. Since the date of my letter the face of things has so far changed as to leave it no longer optional to attempt or decline the expedition, but compels us to decide in the affirmative, and to begin our pre- parations immediately. The regular force Colonel Clark already has, with a proper draft from the militia beyond the Alleghany, and that of three or four of our most northern counties, will be adequate to the reduction of Fort Detroit, in the opinion of Colonel Clark ; and he assigns the most probable reasons for that opinion. We have, therefore, determined to undertake it, and commit it to his direction. * *

* Independent of the favor- able effects, which a successful enterprise against Detroit must produce to the United States in general, by keeping in quiet the frontier of the northern ones, and leaving our western militia to aid those of the south, we think the like friendly office performed by us to the states, whenever desired, and almost to the absolute exhaustion of our own magazines, give well founded hopes that we may be accommodated on this occasion.

Men and means for the expedition were, how- ever, scarce; the hunters of Kentucky were fearful their own homes would be attacked in their absence, and the expedition was delayed. That the jealousy between Clark and Brodhead still continued is evi- dent from the following letter, contained in the Cal- endar of Virginia State Papers:

JANUARY 18, 1781.

George Rogers Clark to the Governor of Virginia : DR. SIR,-

I have examined your proposed Instructions. I dont Recollect of any thing more that is necessary, Except the mode of paying the Expenses of the Garrison of De Troit in case of success, as supporting our Credit among strangers may be attended with great and good consequences, and my former Experiences Induce me to wish it to be the case where I have the Honor to Command. I would also observe to your Excellency, that I could wish to set out on this Expedition free from any Reluctance, which I doubt I cannot do without a satisfactory Explanation of the treatment of the Virginia Delegates in Congress to me in objecting to an ap- pointment designed for me, which your Excellency cannot be a stranger to. I could wish not to be thought to solicit promotion ; and that my Duty to myself did not oblige me to transmit these sentiments to you. The treatment I have Generally met with from this state hath prejudiced me as far as consistant in her In- terest, and wish not to be distrusted in the Execution of her Orders by any Continental Col' that may be in the Countries that I have Business in, which I doubt will be the case, although the orders of the Commander in chief is very positive.

Preparations for his expedition went on rapidly ; large sums of money were expended, and immense quantities of supplies provided at the rendezvous near Pittsburgh. Up to January 23, 1781, R. Mad- ison, the quartermaster and commissary, had ex- pended £500,000, and on that date applied to Governor Jefferson for £300,000 additional to " ful- fill his contracts."

On March 27, 1781. Colonel Brodhead wrote from Fort Pitt to Washington, as follows :

DEAR GENERAL,-

I am honored with your favor of the 28th ultimo, and am thank- ful for the contents. I have acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 29th of December, and shall give every encourage-

ment to General Clark's intended enterprise. I wish he may be in readiness before the waters fail, and the Kentucky settlements are destroyed by the Enemy.

But I am informed that little or nothing has as yet been done at his boat yards, and that the militia he expected from this side of the mountains, are availing themselves of the unsettled Juris- diction.

Both Virginia and Pennsylvania at this time claimed the services of the militia in the region of the Alleghanies, the boundaries of both States being unsettled, and many of the settlers made this an excuse for not taking up arms. On May 26 Clark wrote to Washington as follows :

SIR,-

Reduced to the necessity of taking every step to carry my point the ensuing campaign, I hope your Excellency will excuse me in taking the liberty of troubling you with this request. The inva- sion of Virginia put it out of the power of the Governor to fur- nish me with the number of men proposed for the enterprise of the west ; but he informed me he had obtained leave of the Baron Steuben, and agreeably to your letters for Colonel John Gibson and regiment, together with Heth's company, to join my forces ; -an addition, he supposed, of more worth than the militia we were disappointed of. On consulting Colonel Brodhead, he could not conceive that he was at liberty to suffer them to go, as your instructions were pointed respecting the troops and stores to be furnished by him. From your Excellency's letters to Colonel Brodhead I conceive him to be at liberty to furnish what men he pleased. I am convinced he did not think the same as I do, or otherwise he would have had no objection, as he appeared to wish to give the enterprise every aid in his power.

The hope of obtaining a grant of those troops has induced me to address your Excellency myself, as it is too late to consult Governor Jefferson farther on the subject, wishing to set out on the expedition early in June, as our stores of provisions are nearly complete. If our force should be equal to the task proposed, I cannot conceive that this post, with a very small garrison even of militia, will be in any danger, as it is attached to a populous coun- try, and during our time in the enemy's, McIntosh and Wheeling will be useless, or might also be garrisoned by small parties of militia. Those I know to be your Excellency's ideas. If you should approve of the troops in this department joining our forces, though they are few, the acquisition may be attended with great and good consequences, as two hundred only might turn the scale in our favor. The advantage that must derive to the states from our proving successful, is of such importance that I think it de- served a greater preparation to insure it. But I have not yet lost sight of Detroit. Nothing seems to threaten us but the want of men. But even should we be able to cut our way through the Indians and find they have received no reinforcement at Detroit, we may probably have the assurance to attack it, though our force may be much less than proposed, which was two thousand ; as defeating the Indians with inconsiderable loss on our side would almost insure success. Should this be the case a valuable peace with them will then probably ensue. But on the contrary should we fall through in our present plans and no expedition take place, it is to be feared that the consequences will be fatal to the whole frontier, as every exertion will be made by the British party to harass them as much as possible, and disable them from giving any succours to our eastern or southern forces. The Indian war is now more general than ever. Any attempt to appease them, except by the sword, will be fruitless. Captain Randolph waits on your Excellency for an answer to this letter, which I flatter myself you will honor me with immediately. Colonel Gibson, who com- mands in the absence of Colonel Brodhead, will keep the troops ready to move at an hour's warning ; conducting myself as though this request was granted, impatiently waiting for the happy order,

I remain yours, etc.,

G. R. CLARK.

259

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

It does not appear that his request for reinforce- ments was complied with, but he finally left Pitts- burgh, moved down the Ohio, and near Louisville, Kentucky, his last expedition came to an inglorious end. The reasons for its failure are indicated in the following letter to Washington from General William Irvine :

FORT PITT, 2 Dec., 1781.

SIR,-

* * I

* presume your Excellency has been informed by the Governor of Virginia, or General Clark, of the failure of his expedition. But lest that should not be the case, I will relate all the particulars that have come to my knowledge. Captain Craig, with the detachment of artillery under him, returned here the 26th inst. He got up with much difficulty, and great fatigue to the men - being forty days on the way,- occasioned by the low- ness of the river. He was obliged to throw away his gun carriages, but brought his pieces and best stores safe. He left General Clark at the Rapids, and says the General was not able to prosecute his intended plan of operation for want of men, being able to collect, on the whole, only about seven hundred and fifty ; and the Buffalo meat was all Rotten ; and adds, the General is apprehensive of a visit from Detroit, and is not without fears the settlement will be obliged to break up, unless reinforcements soon arrive from Vir- ginia. The Indians have been so numerous in that country that all the inhabitants have been obliged to keep close in Forts, and the General could not venture out to fight them.

A Colonel Archibald Lochrey, Lieutenant of Westmoreland county, in Pennsylvania, with about one hundred men in all, composed of volunteers and a company raised by Pennsylvania for the defense of said county, followed General Clark, who, 'tis said, ordered Lochrey to join him at the mouth of the Miami, up which river it had been previously agreed on to proceed. But General Clark, having changed his plan, left a small party at Miami, with directions to Lochrey to proceed on to the falls after him with the main body. Sundry accounts agree that this party and all Lochrey's, to a man, were waylaid by the Indians and regulars (for it is asserted they had artillery) and all killed or taken. No man escaped, either to join General Clark or return home. When Captain Craig left the General, he could not be persuaded but that Lochrey with his party had returned home.1 These misfortunes threw the people of this country into the greatest consternation, and almost despair, particularly West- moreland county, Lochrey's party being all the best men of that frontier. At present they talk of flying early in the spring to the eastern side of the mountain, and are daily flocking to me to inquire what support they may expect.

I think there is but too much reason to fear that General Clark and Colonel Gibson's expedition falling through, will greatly encourage the savages to fall on the country with double fury, or perhaps, the British from Detroit to visit this post, which instead of being in a tolerable state of defense, is, in fact, nothing but a heap of ruins. * * *

I believe, if Detroit was demolished, it would be a good step towards giving some, at least temporary, ease to this country. It would take, at least, a whole summer to rebuild and establish themselves ; for though we should succeed in reducing Detroit, I do not think there is the smallest probability of our being able to hold it, it is too remote from supplies. I have been endeavoring to form some estimates; and from such Information as I can collect, I really think that the reduction of Detroit would not cost much more, nor take many more men, than it will take to cover and protect the country by acting on the defensive. If I am well informed, it would take seven or eight hundred regular troops, and about a thousand militia ; which could pretty easily be obtained for that purpose, as it appears to be a favorite scheme

over all this country. The principal difficulty would be to get provisions and stores transported. As to taking a heavy train of artillery, I fear it would not only be impossible, but an incum- brance ; (we should take) Two field pieces, some howitz, and, perhaps, a mortar. I do not think, especially under present cir- cumstances, that it would be possible to carry on expeditions in such a manner as to promise success by a regular siege. I would therefore propose to make every appearance of sitting down before the place, as if to reduce it by regular approaches ; as soon as I found the Enemy fully Impressed with this idea, attempt it at once by assault. * * *

In order to obtain aid for General Clark, Governor Jefferson applied to Washington, and received the following reply:

NEW WINDSOR, 28th December, 1781.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The history of Detroit and Michigan; or, The metropolis illustrated; a chronological cyclopedia of the past and present, Vol I, Part 54

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902 Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Detroit, S. Farmer & co Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Farmer, Silas, 1839-1902
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Detroit, S. Farmer & co
Number of Pages: 1096