History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 32

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 32

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dians were seen watching the army. They were pursued and fired at, but without effect. This had the effect of hastening the movements of the army, which up to this time had advanced but about fifteen miles a day. One of the men died and was buried in Holmes County. By the evening of the 1st of June, the army had reached a point in Richland County, eight miles almost due east of Crestline, Crawford County. The army crossed into what is now Crawford County at one o'clock in the afternoon of the 2d, and about an hour afterward reached the Sandusky River at a point immediately east of what is now the village of Leesville, at the mouth of a small creek called Allen's run, when a halt was called, and the volunteers took a half-hour's rest on the banks of the stream, for which they had been for some time anxiously looking .* The army had traveled in the last five days about eighty-five miles. They were now fairly in the enemy's country, due east from the point of destination only twenty-five miles. Slover announced to the commander that the open country-the Sandusky Plains- was but a few miles away in a southwest direc- tion. Following along the southern margin of the stream until it suddenly swept around to the north, the army then struck off from it through a somewhat broken country for two miles, and encamped a short distance beyond, where the surface was quite level. They were still in what is now Jefferson Township, but very near the eastern edge of the plains. Early on the morning of the 3d of June, the army moved out into the sunlight of the open coun- try. It was at a point not very far west of a small stream flowing south into the Whetstone Creek, in what is now Whetstone Township-a memorable spot, as will be seen hereafter. Many of the volunteers had never before seen

*It has long been a tradition among the citizens of Jefferson Township, Crawford County, Ohio, that, many years ago when a large tree was cut down on the banks of the stream where this en- campment had been, Col. Crawford's name and the date of his stop- ping there were found cut deeply into the wood, and covered with mavy concentric layers of growth.

prairie land, and gave vent to exclamations of delight at the novel scene. The route of the army was through the present townships of Bucyrus and Dallas, in Crawford County-pass- ing a little over three miles south of what is now the town of Bucyrus-thence into what is now Antrim Township, Wyandot County. Here the army encamped near the site of the present village of Wyandot, within ten miles of their point of destination. The next morning -the 4th of June-at 7 o'clock, after care- ful preparations for an emergency, the army began its march in nearly a northwest direction. After about six miles' travel, the mouth of the Little Sandusky was reached. The spot was a familiar one to Slover, who had been there be- fore. Crossing the river, Crawford's course was along the east bank of the stream, follow- ing the Indian trace in a direction a little west of north, in what is now Pitt Township. The army moved with great caution. Not an In- dian, however, was seen. Crawford was assured by Slover that the Wyandot town was close at hand. As yet there had not been discovered any indications of an Indian settlement, except a sugar-camp, where maple sugar had evi- dently been made the previous spring. Pass- ing a bluff bank, the river made a sudden turn, flowing almost directly west. The movement of the army was now rapid. A little farther on, just where the river enters what is now Crane Township, suddenly an opening in the woods before them was discernible-the Wyandot town was reached. To the utter astonishment of the whole army it was found uninhabited. All was a solitude ! The log huts had, apparently, been deserted for some time. Here was a di- lemma!"*

It is now well to learn the cause of the dis- appearance of the Indians. The village which the American army had reached was in reality the old town of Sandusky, which had been deserted a year or two before, the Indians

*Crawford's campaign against Sandusky .- BUTTERFIELD.

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establishing themselves about three miles north of the present town of Upper Sandusky, on the river. This was really the point upon which the blow was designed to fall, although Slover and Zane were unaware of the removal of the Indians to the new town of Sandusky, which was called Half King's Town, from its being the residence of the Wyandots' head chief, Pomoaean, or Half King. Leith's store was at Half King's Town. He was in the employ- ment of British traders, five of whom had placed their goods in his charge for disposal. His spies brought tidings every day of the progress and probable designs of Crawford's army. Information was brought in by swift runners as soon as the men began to assemble at Mingo Bottom, and messengers were instantly dis- patched by the apprehensive Indians for assist- ance to De Peyster, the commandant at Detroit, and to all the Indian villages likely to be attacked. In response to the call, a consider- able force of mounted troops, consisting of Butler's Rangers, was ordered from Detroit to the valley of the Sandusky, to assist the dusky allies of Great Britain in repelling the invaders. Captain Pipe, or Kogieschquanoheel, the Dela- ware war-chief, with the same object in view, started south with about two hundred warriors from Pipe Town, a Delaware village on Tymoch- tee Creek, about five miles from its mouth. Two hundred warriors from the Shawanese towns in Logan County were also dispatched to assist the Wyandots, against whom the army of Crawford was now seen to be marching. Leith, to prevent his goods from falling into the hands of the enemy, packed them on horses and started for Lower Sandusky, driving his cattle before him. He started in great haste on the morning of the 4th, and met, during the forenoon, Matthew Elliott, and, soon afterward, " the whole British army, composed of Butler's Rangers," all of whom were hurrying forward to assist in opposing the progress of Crawford's command. The troops took Leith's cattle, but

permitted him to proceed with his goods. The squaws and children of the Delawares and Wyandots were hidden away in a deep ravine on Tymochtee Creek, about a mile from its mouth. The allied forces that were to resist the encroachment of the American army rapidly assembled at a spot nearly two miles southwest of Half King's Town. Here about four hun- dred Wyandot warriors, under their war-chief Zhaus-sho-toh, and two hundred Delawares under Captain Pipe, were lying in ambush, anxiously awaiting the approach of both the enemy and re-enforcements. This was the sit- uation of the hosts of Great Britain on the morning of the 4th of June, 1782.

" The American army halted half an hour on the site of the deserted Wyandot town, discuss- ing in council the best course to be pursued. All were satisfied of the presence of another village at no great distance down the river, and, full of hope for the result, the army was or- dered to advance. It reached the springs where Upper Sandusky is now located, and soon after- ward several of the men expressed a desire to return, alleging they had but five days' provis- ions in reserve. The command was halted, and a council of war was called. Zane and others advised an immediate return. They were of the opinion that the Indians would bring an overwhelming force against them. They argued that the Indians were concentrat- ing at some point not far distant, preparing for a determined resistance. Crawford thought likewise, and it was finally determined by the council that the army should continue its march that day, but no longer. Crawford had previ- ously formed a company of light-horse to act as scouts in advance of the army. They fol- lowed along the Indian trail, and saw, to their left, on the prairie, a beautiful island or grove, which seemed to beckon them from the fierce heat of the sun. They halted here a few mo- ments to enjoy the cool shade. The spot was somewhat elevated above the surrounding

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country, and notwithstanding the trees, was thickly covered with tall, wild grass. They were surrounded with prairie, which was dotted here and there with small, island-like groves. The scouts moved on to the north, and, having gone about a mile, suddenly came in full view of the enemy, having unsuspectingly approached near the rendezvous of the latter. The Indians were running directly toward them, and the scouts immediately dispatched one of their number to inform Crawford of the appearance of the savages, and then slowly retired as the foe advanced. The warriors in advance were the Delawares, under Capt. Pipe, in whose com- pany were Wingenund, a distinguished Delaware chief, and the notorious renegade, Simon Girty. The Wyandots, under Zhaus-sho-toh, were held back for the time by Matthew Elliott, another renegade. Just as the council of the army had ended, the scout from the north came riding up at full speed, announcing the discovery and advance of the enemy. The news was received with evident satisfaction by the whole army. The volunteers rapidly mounted and fell into line, ready to meet the foe for whom they had so long been anxiously looking. An advance was ordered, and obeyed with alacrity, and the army soon joined the retiring scouts, who re- ported the savages ahead in considerable force, prepared for battle. It was now that the splen- did genius of John Rose began to exhibit it- self. His cool eye flashed with fire, as he gal- loped along the line, carrying the orders of his commander, and cheering the men by his daunt- less demeanor. The army had advanced scarcely a mile, when the enemy was discovered in front, taking possession of the grove already men- tioned. Crawford ordered his men to dismount, and a quick charge soon drove the Indians from the grove into the open prairie. The Wyandots held in reserve at this moment came up. Elli- ott, who commanded the entire force of the enemy, ordered Capt. Pipe to flank to the right, and attack Crawford in the rear, which was

quickly done, and the action at once became general. The firing was very close and hot. The Americans were outnumbered, but they had the advantage in position. Girty rode a white horse, and his shouts were frequently heard above the reports of the rifles, although he carefully kept beyond gunshot. The battle continued until dark, decreasing in intensity as the Indians slowly retired before the murderous fire of the frontiersmen. The afternoon had been intensely hot, and the men had suffered severely from thirst. No water was in the grove except a small, stagnant pool, which, bad as it was, was used by the men. The victory was clearly with the Americans, although their savage foe was far from being dispirited. Re- enforcements for the enemy were hourly ex- pected. The Americans had lost five men killed and nineteen wounded, and the enemy had undoubtedly suffered a greater loss, as they were more exposed. The savages skulked in the tall grass of the prairie, while the borderers from tree-tops poured a deadly fire upon them, as their heads rose above the grass. One of the men from his high position saw the dauntless Rose pursued by a party of mounted Indians. They were so close to him as to throw their tomahawks, but were finally baffled by his re- markable coolness and superior horsemanship. One of the Indians in the battle was " Big Captain Johnny," who was seven feet in height, and as frightfully ugly as he was large. The enemy drew off at dark, and Crawford was left in possession of the field. Both parties lay on their arms during the night, and both adopted the precaution of kindling large fires, and then retiring some distance in the rear of them, to guard against a night attack. The Wyandots were encamped north of the grove, and the Delawares south. The action took place on what is now the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township 2 south, Range 14 east, of the Government survey.

" The battle began again on the morning of

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the 5th, and continued during the day, but was little better than a skirmish, as the firing was done at long range, with frequent cessations. Four men were wounded during the day. The enemy were expecting re-enforcements and did not care for a general engagement, and Craw- ford formed obstacles in the way of a general attack until nightfall. As the afternoon wore away, the army was astonished by the informa- tion that the enemy were receiving re-enforce- ments. Mounted troops were seen advancing, and to the surprise and dismay of the Ameri- cans, they were seen to be white men. In fact, they were Butler's Rangers. A council of war was called, and, while the officers were deliberating, a large re-enforcement of Indians-two hundred strong-was seen advancing to the assistance of the enemy. Other small squads arrived, and the ' enemy kept pouring in hourly from all quarters,' are the words of Rose. Crawford instantly saw that the army must assume the defensive, and the council of war unanimously resolved upon a night retreat. The enemy out- numbered them more than two to one, and, in the language of Rose, 'Prudence, therefore, die- tated a retreat.' The volunteers killed were now buried, and fires burned over their graves. The wounded were mounted on horses, and soon after dark the entire army, in four divi- sions, with Crawford at the head, began its re- treat. Just as this moment, they were discov- ered by the enemy, who opened a hot fire in the rear. This created much confusion, many of the men hurrying off without orders, leaving seven dangerously wounded men behind. All but two, however, were removed by their com- rades. McClelland's division was in front and was hotly engaged with the Delawares and Shawan- ese. The army started back over the route it had come, keeping together as well as could be done in the darkness. Although the enemy were aroused, yet, not knowing whether the Ameri- cans intended a retreat or a night attack, they made no concerted effort to pursue them. Mc-

Clelland was badly wounded and left to the in- furiated savages, and his division suffered the loss of several men. The other divisions de- scribed a circle to the west, and finally arrived at the deserted Indian Village, when a halt was called. Detached parties continued to arrive until the command numbered about 300. It was now discovered that Col. Crawford, Dr. John Knight, John Slover and other prominent officers and men were missing. Daniel Will- iamson took command of the army, and began to create order out of the confusion, receiving great assistance from the intrepid Rose. Under their new commander the soldiers took up their retreat. Men, separated during the night from the main body, continued to arrive, among whom was John Sherrard, who told a melancholy story. In company with John Harbaugh, he had become separated from his division, and while making his way through the woods after daylight, suddenly saw an Indian off to the left. He called to his companion, who was not quick enough to screen himself, and who was instantly shot by the savage, exclaiming as he fell : ' Lord have mercy upon me, I'm a dead man !" and immediately expired. The Indian ran away, and Sherrard, taking his dead companion's saddle and bridle, hurried off. He soon discov- ered that he had left his provisions, and turned back to secure them. He found that the Indi- an had been before him, and had scalped the lifeless soldier, and taken his horse, gun and provisions. Harbaugh had been shot through the breast.

" Not long after the army had reached the open country southeast of the mouth of the Lit- tle Sandusky Creek, and was well on its way in the plains, a large body of the enemy was dis- covered a considerable distance in the rear. It consisted of mounted Indians and the British light cavalry. At noon, the army had reached a point on the trail, due south of the present site of Bucyrus. 'The enemy,' says Rose, ' hung on our rear through the plains ;' and they now

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began to press the Americans. The eastern verge of the prairie was not very far ahead. By 2 o'clock the woodland had almost been reached, when the enemy crowded hard upon their rear, and began a flank movement of the Americans both right and left. 'It was evi- dently their design,' says Rose, to retard our march until they could possess themselves of some advantageous ground in our front, and so cut off our retreat, or oblige us to fight at a dis- advantage. Although it was best to avoid a general engagement on the plains, on account of the numbers of the enemy, yet they pressed our rear so hard that we concluded on a gene- ral and vigorous attack, while our light-horse secured the entrance of the woods.'"

Here it was that the battle of Olentangy took place about 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 6th of June, 1782. The spot is on the north- west quarter of Section 22, Township 3 south, Range 17 east, of the Government survey, in what is now Whetstone Township, Crawford County, Ohio. While the battle was in prog- ress, clouds began to obscure the sun, and the change of the temperature from intense heat to comparative coolness indicated an approaching storm, and was a great relief to the exhausted men. Williamson exerted himself to encourage his men, and was greatly assisted by Rose, whose spirit, cheerfulness and coolness were only surpassed by his wonderful skill and in- tropidity. He was a foreigner, and but little was known of him, except that he was highly cultured and a perfect gentleman. His martial bearing and astonishing coolness at the moment of extreme danger aroused the admiration of the whole army. He was a natural leader, and was of invaluable aid in encouraging and di- recting the men. "Stand to your ranks, boys," said he, "fire low, and do not throw away a single shot. Remember, everything depends upon your steadiness." The battle was con- ducted with great spirit on both sides for about an hour, when the enemy, who had fought fu-

riously, " attacking the Americans on the front, left flank, and rear," gave way on all sides, and withdrew beyond gunshot. "We had three killed and eight wounded," is the language of Rose. The loss of the enemy is not known, al- though probably much severer than that of the Americans. It is said that a Frenchman, dis- guised as an Indian, and fighting for the enemy at this battle, had painted a large red spot upon his breast, remarking as he did so : " Here is a mark for the Virginia riflemen." He was killed instantly by a ball which struck the spot with which he had decorated his person. Just as the battle ended, a furious rain-storm swept across the plains, drenching the men to the skin, and rendering the firearms almost useless. The dead were hastily buried, the wounded cared for, and the troops again continued their retreat. The enemy followed them in consider- able force, harassing them with a desultory fire, but keeping at a respectful distance. The shots at last became so galling that, in shifting the various companies to new positions, and thus exposing some divisions to a sudden fire, the men hurried forward in confusion, which was almost precipitated into a panic and a rout. It was only through the almost superhuman ef- forts of Williamson and Rose that the waver- ing companies were reduced to order. The army pressed rapidly forward, and at dark had reached the spot in Crawford County, near Leesville, where it had stopped on its way out. The army halted and camped for the night, as did also the enemy a short distance away. Every precaution was adopted by both parties against a night surprise and attack. The night passed without incident, and at daybreak the retreat was renewed. The enemy immediately advanced and opened fire. "Two of the bor- derers were, at this juncture, unfortunately cap- tured, and, it is supposed, immediately toma- hawked. Now, however, to the great relief of the army, the pursuit was abandoned. 'The Indians,' says Dunlevy, ' pursued the main body

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no longer.' The last hostile shot was fired near where the village of Crestline now stands. Here the Americans had their last view of the foe ; it was a welcome adieu. Not a single savage or British ranger was afterward seen by the army."

The retreat was rapidly continued, and the vigilance and discipline of the army were con- siderably relaxed, though not entirely aban- doned. Many of the men had consumed their last provisions, and naturally all were anxious to get home. A large portion of the men were on foot; and, as the army moved along, it was often joined by comrades who had been sepa- rated from it on the night the retreat com- inenced, and who were greeted with loud hur- rahs as they appeared. Not a word was learned, however, of Crawford. The troops reached Mingo Bottom on the 13th of June, just twenty days from the time they had left the same spot, so full of hope and expectancy. Here they found several of the missing men, who had arrived before them. Great excitement was created on the border when the news of the failure of the expedition became known. Strag- glers from the main body, who had reached the settlements in advance, gave exaggerated ac- counts of the disaster. Reports were circulated and currently believed that the savages were pursuing the volunteers even to the Ohio River, and, in a panic, the settlers fled to the forts for protection. The appearance of the army, how- ever, quieted all apprehension' of sudden and serious danger. - The army crossed the Ohio River, opposite Mingo Bottom on the 13th, and encamped for the last time. On the morrow, the men were discharged and returned to their homes. The total loss in killed, those dying from wounds and those who afterward suffered death in the wilderness, together with a few whose fate never became known, was less than seventy men. The States whence the volunteers had marched made good all losses of prop- erty, and many of them received pensions for

services, of which the Sandusky campaign was the basis.

On the night when the army began its retreat, the confusion was so great that many of the men became separated from the main body, and, being unable to recover the trace, were com- pelled to make the effort to reach home alone. Among the number thus bewildered were John Slover, James Paull and five others, all on foot. They marched north until they reached Ty- mochtee Creek, when they turned south and finally crossed into Crawford County. They came very near being discovered several times by bands of Indians. They traveled all day, and the next night were at a point about five miles east of Bucyrus. They crossed Sandusky and Vernon Townships and journeyed on until they came to Wayne County, when they were attacked by a party of Shawanese that had fol- lowed them. Two of the men were shot dead, Paull ran and escaped, and the others, includ- ing Slover, were taken prisoners. The Indians immediately started for the Shawanese towns on Mad River, in what is now Logan County, Ohio. Arriving there, the prisoners were set upon by the inhabitants, who beat them with clubs and tomahawks. The oldest man was seized, stripped naked and painted black with charcoal and water. All except Slover were compelled to run the gauntlet, but the Indians inflicted the most of the punishment upon the man who had been painted black. He was cut with tomahawks, beaten with clubs, and his naked body was shot full of powder. Holes were blown into his flesh by the discharges. The savages were a long time beating, wounding, pursuing and kill- ing him. He was afterward cut in pieces, and his head, limbs and body were raised on poles on the outside of the town. The other com- panions of Slover were sent to other towns, where they shared the same awful fate. Slover was at Wapatomica, and while there saw three bodies lying on the ground-black, bloody, mu- tilated and burnt with powder. He recognized

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them as belonging to William Crawford, a nephew of the Colonel, and William Harrison, the Colonel's son-in-law. He believed the third body to be that of Maj. McClelland, but was not certain. The bodies were frightful to look at. The next day the heads were raised on poles and the corpses given to the dogs. What an awful fate ! All these men had been members of Crawford's army, and had been captured while endeavoring to make their way to the settlements. " What a gorge of infernal revelry did these unfortunate prisoners afford the infu- riated savages." Slover had been a captive among the Indians many years before, receiv- ing the name Mannucothe. The Indians knew him, and, having summoned him to a council held for the purpose, interrogated him concern- ing the state of the war. He told them, among other things, that Cornwallis had surrendered. The next day, Matthew Elliott and James Girty came to the Council. They assured the Indians that Slover had lied. Slover was looked upon with suspicion by the savages, who were aware of his having been with Crawford's army ; and, notwithstanding the fact that he had once been adopted by them, but had afterward gone to the white settlements, the Indians began to enter- tain misgivings that he was their foe. Their belief in his enmity was firmly established by the statements of Elliott and Girty, and they resolved to put him to death by the most cruel tortures. He was allowed to go freely among the Indians, but was closely watched, and was kept in suspense several days as to his fate. It was about this time that twelve white men were brought in captives from Kentucky, three of whom were tortured to death with fire at Wapa- tomica. The remainder were sent to other towns, where they shared a like fate. About forty warriors, among whom was George Girty, finally took Slover, stripped him naked, painted him black, tied his arms securely behind him, and fastened a rope around his neck. In this condition he was driven to a village seven miles

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 32

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034