History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 14

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878

USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 14
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 14

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).

Camp Fifteen Mile Trer, August 25, 1794 .- The legion continued their march, and encamped on this ground at three o'clock P. M. This morning a few of the volunteers remained in the rear of the army; and soon after the legion took up their line of march they saw eight Indians coming into our camp; they fell in with them, killed one and wounded two.

Camp Nine Mile Tree, August 26, 1794 .- The legion continued their march, and after burning and destroying all the houses and corn on their route, arrived on this ground at two o'clock, being one of our encamp- ing places when on our advance.

All the wounded that were carried on litters and horschack were sent forward to Fort Defiance. Dr. Carmichael through negleet had the wounded men of the artillery and cavalry thrown into wagons, among spades, axes, picks, etc., in consequence of which the wounded are now lying in extreme pain, besides the frequent shocks of a wagon ou the worst of roads. The wounded of the third sublegion are under obliga. tion to Dr. Haywood for his attention and humanity to them in theit distress.

Camp Fort Defiance, August 27, 1794 .- The legion continued their route, and at three o'clock were encamped on the Miami, one mile above

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

the garrison. On this day's march we destroyed all the corn and burnt all the houses on our route. The wounded are happily fixed in the garrison, and the doctors say there is no great danger of any of thetn dying.

Fort Defiance, August 28, 1794 -The commander-in-chief thinks pro- per to continue on this ground for some time, to refresh the troops and send for supplies. There are corn, beans, pumpkins, etc., within four miles of this place, to furnish the troops three weeks.

General Orders .- The quartermaster-general will issue one gill of whiskey to every man belonging to the Federal army (this morning), as a small compensation for the fatigues they have undergone for several days past. Maj .- Gen. Scott will direct his quartermasters to attend nerordingly with their respective returns. The commander-in-chief wishes it to be fairly understood, that when he mentioned, or may men- tion, the Federal army in general orders, that term comprehends and includes the legion and mounted volunteers as one compound army, and that the term legion comprehends the regular troops, agreeable to the organization by the President of the United States, and by which appel- lation they are known and recognized on all occasions, when seting by themselves, and separate from the mounted volunteers. As the army will probably remain on this ground for some time, vaults must be dug, and every precaution taken to keep the encampment clean and healthy.

The legion will be reviewed the day after to-morrow at ten o'clock. In the interim the arms must be clean and varnished, and the clothing / of the soklier repaired and washed, to appear in the most military con- dition possible; but in these necessary preparations for a review, great caution must be used by the commanding officers of wings, not to per- mit too many men at one time to take their locks off, or to be engaged in washing.

All the horses belonging to the quartermaster and contractors' depart- ment, in possession of the legion, must be returned this afternoon.

This is the first fair day that we have had since we began to return to this place, it having rained nearly constant for five days, which was the occasion of fatiguing the troops very much.

Fort Defiance, August 29, 1794 .- We are as yet encamped on this ground; all the pack-horses belonging to the quartermaster and con- tractors' department moved this morning for Fort Recovery, escorted by Brig .- Gen. Todd's brigade of mounted volunteers, for the purpose of bringing supplies to this place. It is said the legion will continue in their present camp until the return of this escort. Our spies were yes- terday twelve miles up this river, and they bring information that the cornfields continue as far as they were up the river.

Fort Defiance, August 30, 1794 .- This day at ten o'clock, the com- mander-in-chief began to review the troops at the posts occupied by the different corps, and I am led to believe that he was well pleased at their appearance. Major Hughes, Captain Slough, Captain Van Rensselaer, and Lieutenant Younghusband obtained a furlough to go home to repair their healths, being, as they pretended, very much injured by the ser- vice.

I believe the first two and the last mentioned if they never return will not be lamented by the majority of the army.

The outguards were much alarmed this morning at the mounted vol- unteers firing of all their arms without our having any notice.

Ilvadquarters, August 31, 1794. General Orders,-A general court- martial, to consist of five members, will sit to-morrow morning at ten o'clock for the trial of such prisoners as may be brought before them. Major Shaylor, president; Lieutenant Wade, judge advocate.

The disorderly and dangerous practice of permitting the sokliery to Fast the chain of sentinels, on pretext of going after vegetables, can no longer be suffered. In future, on issuing day, only one man from each mr+4, properly armed and commanded by the respective sublegionary quartermasters, will be sent as a detachment for vegetables, to march at » ven o'clock in the morning.

The pack-horses shall forage daily under protection of a squadron of dragoons; every precaution must be taken to guard against surprise. Any noncommissioned officer or soldier found half a mile without the ·Irun of sentfuels, without a pass signed by the commanding officer of "1124 or sublegion, or from headquarters, shall be deemed a deserter Bel punished accordingly. Every sentinel suffering a noncommissioned

officer or private to pass without such written permit, except a party on command, shall receive fifty lashes for each and every violation of this order.

A fatigue party of three hundred noncommissioned officers and pri- vates, with a proportion of commissioned officers, will parade at seven o'clock to-morrow morning, furnished with one hundred axes, one hun- dred picks, and one hundred spades and shovels, with arms, commanded by Major Burbeck.

A part of this order was in consequence of three men of the first sub- legion being either killed or taken by the enemy when out foraging, which was done some time since in a very disorderly manner, at the same time liable to the attacks of the enemy without having it in their power to make the smallest resistance.

Fort Defiance, September 1, 1794 .- This morning the fatigue party ordered yesterday began to fortify and strengthen the fort, and make it of sufficient strength to be proof against heavy metal; the work now on hand is a glacis with fascines and a ditch twelve feet wide and eight feet deep; the block-houses are to be made bomh-proof.

Fort Defiance, September 2, 1794 .- Every effective man of the light troops in the redoubts round the camp was ordered this morning to make three fascines.

The foraging party that went out this day brought in as much corn, dry enough to grate, as will suffice the troops three days. The soldiery gets sick very fast with the fever and ague, and have it severely.

Fort Defiance, September 3, 1794 .- Nothing but hard fatigues going forward in all quarters. The garrison begins to put on the appearance of strength, and will in a few days be able to stand the shock of heavy cannon: the troops are very sickly, and I believe the longer we continue in this place the worse it will be.

Fort Defiance, September 4, 1794 .- The number of our sick increases daily, provision is nearly exhausted; the whiskey has been out for some time, which makes the hours pass heavily to the tune of Roslin Castle, when in our present situation they ought to go to the quick step of the merry man down to his grave. Hard duty and scanty allowance will cause an army to be low spirited, particularly the want of a little of the wcet.

If it was not for the forage we get from the enemy's fields, the rations would not be sufficient to keep soul and body together.

Fort Defiance, September 5, 1794 .- No news of the escort; this day the troops drew no flour, and I fear we will shortly draw no beef; how- ever, as long as the issuing of beef continues the troops will not suffer, as there is still corn in abundance on the river.

Fort Defiance, September 6, 1704 .- The work on the garrison goes on with life, and will be completed in a few days. The weather very wet and cold, this morning there is a small frost.

Fort Defiance, September 7, 1794 .- Nothing of consequence took place this day. Our sick are getting better.

Fort Defiante, September S, 1794 .- This day brings us information of the escort; by express we learn it will be with us to-morrow. It will be fortunate for us should provisions arrive, as we have not drawn any flour since the seventh instant, nevertheless we have the greatest abundance of vegetables.

Fort Defiance, September 9, 1794 .- The escort has not yet arrived, but will be in to-morrow. Gen. Scott with the residue is ordered to march to-morrow morning at reveille. The commander-in-chief engaged with the volunteers to bring on the flour from Greenville on their own horses, for which they are to receive three dollars per hundred, delivered at the Miami villages.

Fort Defiance, September 10, 1794 .- The escort arrived this day about three o'clock, and brought with them two hundred kegs of flour and nearly two hundred head of cattle. Captain Preston and Ensign4 Strother, Bowyer, and Lewis joined us this day with the escort. We received no liquor by this command, and I fancy we shall not receive any until we get into winter quarters, which will make the fatigues of the campaign appear double, as I am persuaded the troops would much rather live on half rations of beef and bread, provided they could obtam their full rations of whiskey. The vegetables are as yet in the greatest abundance. The soldiers of Captain Win. Lewis's company are in per- feet health, the wounded excepted.

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

Fort Defrance, September 11, 1791 .- This day Gen. Barber's brigade of mounted volunteers marched for Fort Recovery for provisions, to meet us at the Miami villages by the 20th.

Fort Defiance, September 12, 1794 .- This day the pioneers were or- dered to cut the road up the Miami under the direction of the suble- gionary quartermaster; they are to commence at seven o'clock to-mor- row morning.

Fart Defiance, September 13, 1794 .- This day a general order was issued, setting forth that the legion would march to-morrow morning precisely at seven o'clock, every department to prepare themselves accordingly.

The squaw that Wells captured on the 11th of August was this day liberated and sent home. Three soldiers of the Ist and three of the 3d sublegions deserted last night; sixteen volunteers pursued them; they are to receive twenty dollars if they bring them in dead or alive.

Camp 112th Mile Tree, September 14, 1791 .- The legion began their march for the Miami villages at seven o'clock this morning, and en- camped on this ground at three o'clock, after marching in the rain eight hours.

Camp 32d Mile Trre, September 15, 1794 .- The legion marched at six and eneamped at four o'clock. Captain Preston, who commanded the light troops in the rear, got lost and lay out from the army all night with a large part of the baggage.

Camp 33d Mile Tree, September 16, 1794 .- We encamped on this ground at four o'clock, after passing over very rough roads and woods thick with brush, the timber very lofty and the land generally rich and well watered.

Camp Miami Villages, September 17, 1794 .- The army halted on this ground at five o'clock P. M., being forty-seven miles from Fort Defiance and fourteen from our last encampment; there are nearly five hundred acres of cleared land lying in one body on the rivers St. Joseph, St. Marys, and the Miami; there are fine points of land contiguous to those rivers adjoining the cleared land. The rivers are navigable for small craft in the summer, and in the winter there is water sufficient for large boats, the lands adjacent fertile and well timbered, and from every ap- pearauce it has been one of the largest settlements made by the Indians in this country.

Camp Miami Villages, September 18, 1794 .- This day the commander- in-chief reconnoitered the ground and determined on the spot to build a garrison on. The troops fortified their camps, as they halted too late yesterday to cover themselves. Four deserters from the British came to us this day; they bring information that the Indians are encamped eight miles below the British fort to the number of sixteen hundred.

Camp Miami Villages, September 19, 1794 .- This day we hear that Gen. Barber's brigade of mounted volunteers are within twelve miles of this place, and will be in early to-morrow with large supplies of flour; we have had heavy rains, the wind N. W., and the clouds have the ap- pearance of emptying large quantities on this western world.

Camp Miami Villages, September 20, 1794 .- Last night it rained violently, and the wind blew from the N. W. harder than I knew here- tofore. Gen. Barber with his command arrived in camp about nine o'clock this morning, with five hundred and fifty-three kegs of flour, each containing one hundred pounds.

Camp Miami Villages, September 21, 1791 .- The commander-in-chief reviewed the legion this day at one o'clock. All the quartermaster's horses set off this morning escorted by the mounted volunteers for Greenville, and are to return as soon as possible; we have not one quart of salt on this ground, which occasions bad and disagreeable living, until the arrival of the next escort.

Camp Miami Villages, September 22, 1791 .- Nothing of consequence took place this day, except that the troops drew no salt with their fresh provisions.

Camp Miami Villages, September 23, 1796 .-- Four deserters from the British garrison arrived at our camp; they mention that the Indians are still embodied on the Miami, nine miles below the British fort; that they are somewhat divided in opinion, some are for peace and others for war.

Camp Miami Villages, September 24, 1791 .- This day the work com- weneed on the garrison, which I am apprehensive will take some time

to complete it. A keg of whiskey containing ten gallons was purchased this day for eighty dollars, a sheep for ten dollars; three dollars were offered for one pint of salt, but it could not be obtained for less than bix.

Camp Miami Villages, September 25, 1794 .- Lieutenant Blue of the dragoons was this day arrested by Ensign Johnson of the 4th S. L., but a number of their friends interfering the dispute was settled upon Licu- tenant Blue asking Ensign Johnson's pardon.

Camp Miami Villages, September 26, 1794 .- M'Clelland, one of our spies, with a small party came in this evening from Fort Defiance, who brings information that the enemy are troublesome about the garrison, and that they have killed some of our men under the walls of the fort. Sixteen Indians were seen to-day near this place; a small party went in pursuit of them. I have not heard what discoveries they have made.

Camp Miami Villages, September 27, 1794 .- No intelligence of the enemy; the rain fell considerably last night; this morning the wind is S. W.

Camp Miami Villages, September 28, 1794 .- The weather proves colder.

Camp Miami Villages, September 30, 1794 .- Salt and whiskey were drawn by the troops this day, and a number of the soldiery broune much intoxicated, they having stolen a quantity of liquor from the quar- termaster.

Camp Miami Villages, October 1, 1791 .- The volunteers appear to be uneasy, and have refused to do duty; they are ordered by the com- mander-in-chief to march to-morrow for Greenville to assist the pack- horses, which I am told they are determined not to do.

Camp Miami Villages, October 2, 1794 .-- This morning the volunteers refused to go on command, and demanded of Gen. Scott to conduct them home; he ordered them to start with Gen. Barber, or if they made the smallest delay they should lose all their pay and be reported to the war office as revolters; this had the desired effect, and they went off not in good humor.

Camp Miami Fillages, October 3, 1794 .- Every officer, noncommis- sioned officer, and soldier belonging to the square are on fatigue this day, hauling trees on the hind wheels of wagons; the first day we got an extra gill per man, which appears to be all the compensation at this time in the power of the commander-in-chief to make the troops.

Camp Miami Villages, October 4, 1794 .- This morning we had the hardest frost I ever saw in the middle of December; it was like a small snow; there was ice in our camp-kettles three-quarters of an inch thick; the fatigues go on with velocity, considering the rations the troops are obliged to live on.

Camp Miami Villages, October 5, 1794 .- The weather extremely cold and hard frosts, the wind N. W .; everything quiet and nothing but har- mony and peace throughout the camp, which is something uncommon.

Cump Miami Villages, October 6, 1794 .- Plenty and quietness the same as yesterday ; the volunteers engaged to work on the garrison, for which they are to receive three gills of whiskey per man per day; their employment is digging the ditch and filling up the parapet.

Camp Miami Villages, October 7, 1794 .- The volunteers are soon tired of work and have refused to labor any longer; they have stolen and killed seventeen beeves in the course of these two days past.

Camp Miami Villages, October 8, 1794 .- The troops drew but half rations of flour this day. The cavalry and other horses die very fast, pot less than four or five per day.

Camp Mami Villages, October 9, 1194 .- The volunteers have agreed to build a block-house in front of the garrison.

Comp Miami Villages, October 11, 1794 -A Canadian ( Rozelle) with a flag arrived this evening; his business way to deliver up three prisoners in exchange for his brother, who was taken on the 20th of August; he brings information that the In lians are in council with Girty and M'Kee near the Fort of Detroit ; that all the tribes are for peace except the Shawneese, who are determined to prosecute the war.

Camp Miami Villages, October 12, 1791 .- The mounted volunteers of Kentucky marched for Greenville, to be mustered and dismissed the service of the United States army, they being of no further service therein.

Camp Mimi Villages, October 13, 1794 .- Captain Gibson marched

HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.

thas day, and took with him a number of horses for Fort Recovery to receive supplies of provisions.

Camp Miami Villages, October 14, 1794 .-- Nothing particular this day.

Camp Miami Villages; October 15, 1794 .- The Canadian that came in on the 11th left us this day accompanied by his brother; they have promised to furnish the garrison at Defiance with stores at a moderate price, which, if performed, will be a great advantage to the officers and soldiers of that post.

Cump Miami Villages, October 26, 1794 .- Nothing new, weather wet and cold, wind from N. W. The troops healthy in general.

Cump Miami Villages, October 17, 1791 .- This day Captain Gibson arrived with a large quantity of flour, beef, and sheep.

Camp Miami Villages, October 18, 1794 .- Captains Springer and Brock, with all the pack-horses, marched with the cavalry this morning for Greenville and the infantry for Recovery, the latter to return with the smallest delay with a supply of provisions for this post and De france.

Camp Miami Villages, October 19, 1794 .- This day the troops were not ordered for labor, being the first day for four weeks, and accordingly attended divine service.

Cump Miami Villages, October 20, 1794 .- An express arrived this day with dispatches to the commander-in-chief; the contents are kept secret.

A court-martial to sit this day for the trial of Lieutenant Charles Hyde.

Camp Miami Villages, October 21. 1794 .- This day were read the pro- ceedings of a general court-martial, held on Lieutenant Charles Hyde (yesterday); was found not guilty of the charges exhibited against him, and was, therefore, acquitted.

Camp Miami Villages, October 22, 1794 .- This morning t seven o'clock the following companies, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Commandant Hamtramck of the Ist sublegion, took possession of this place, viz .: Captain Kingsbury's Ist; Captain Greaton's 2d; Cap- tain Spark's and Captain Reed's 3d; Captain Preston's 4th ; and Cap- tain Porter's of artillery; and after firing fifteen rounds of cannon Colo- nel Hamtramck gave it the name of Fort Wayne.

Camp Miami Villages, October 23, 1794 .-- The general fatigue of the garrison ended this day, and Colonel Hamtramck, with the troopsunder his command, to furnish it as he may think fit.

. All the soldiers' huts are completed except covering, and the weather is favorable for that work.

Camp Miami Villages, October 24, 1794 .- This day the troops drew but half rations of beef and flour. the beef very bad.

Camp Miami Villages, October 25, 1794 .-- Nothing extraordinary, the same as yesterday.

This evening Captain Springer with the escort arrived with a supply of flour and salt. A Frenchman and a half Indian came to headquar- ters, but where they are from or their business we cannot learn, but that it is of a secret nature.

Camp Miami Villages, October 26, 1794 .- Nothing occurring to-day except an expectation to march the day after to-morrow.

Camp Miami Villages, October 27, 1794 .-- Agreeable to general orders of this day, we will march for Greenville to-morrow morning at eight o'clock.

Camp nine miles from Fort Wayne, October 28, 1794 .- The legion took up the line of march at nine o'clock, and arrived here without any- thing particular occurring.

Camp twenty-one miles from Fort Wayne, October 20, 1794 .- The troops proceeded on their march at sunrise, and arrived on this ground at half past three o'clock; our way was through rich and well-timbered land; the weather cold and much like rain.

l'ump southwest side of St. Marys River, October 30, 1794 .- The legion proceeded on their march at seven o'clock, and arrived here at sunset; continual heavy rain all day.

. Comp Girlys Town, October 31, 1794 .- The troops took up their line of march at sunrise, and arrived here three hours after night, through heavy rain.

Greenville, November 2, 1794 .- This evening the legion arrived here, where they marched from July 28, 1791.

We were saluted with twenty-four rounds from a six-pounder. Our

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absence from this ground amounted to three months and six days. And so ends the expedition of Gen. Wayne's campaign.

This describes the country from Fort Recovery to Big Beaver, and the bridging of that stream about five miles below Celina. This laidge was known to early settlers. Shane's Prairie is accurately described The fort referred to was built on what is now See. 24, Dublin township, on land owned by the Palmiers, about one-half mile up the run from the Mercer and Van Wert road. The site is overgrown, but traces of the fort are still visible. It was called Fort Adiums, in honor of the Vice- President. At the end of twenty-one miles from Fort Adams the legion was within six miles of one of the Indian towns on the Auglaize, which was supposed to be the Upper Delaware Town; but here the country was "exceedingly fine." This must have been near Fort Jennings, It was also seen that Wayne marched back over " Harmar's road." The camp on the southwest of the St. Mary's is Shane's Crossings. The camp at Girtys Town is St. Marys. It is probable the march back from here to Greenville was by way of Loramie. This whole movement was characteristic of Wayne. He knew his enemy and how to contend with him. At the battles of Recovery the savages exhibited courage, secrecy, and skill. Wayne employed the same weapons until he was named the " Black Snake, " " Mad Anthony." and " The Wind."

Let us glance at the incidents of the battle. At the continence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers Fort Defrance was built, which became the centre of operations against the savages. From this post Gen. Wayne sent emissaries to invite the hostile nations to negotiate; but the pride and rancor of the Indians prevented any favorable results. The Indian chief, Little Turtle, seemed to forebode the impending storm, and advised the acceptance of the terms offered. How truly did he characterize Gen. Wayne when he said " The Americans are now led by a chief who never sleeps-the night and the day are alike to him. Think well of it. There is something whispers to me it would be prudent to listen to his offers of peace."

At this time England, in defiance of her treaties with the United States, still maintained possession of various military posts in the west. A strong fort and garrison were established by her on United States territory near the Miami Rapids, and in that vicinity the main body of the Indian warriors, to the number of about two thousand, was en- camped. Above and below the American camp the Miami and Auglaize. according to Gen. Wayne's dispatches, presented for miles the appear- ance of a single village, and rich cornfields spread on either side.

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History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 14

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton Number of Pages: 878

Author: Sutton, R., & Co., Wapakoneta, Ohio, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Wapakoneta, Ohio : R. Sutton
Number of Pages: 878