History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 7

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1408

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Accepting the situation as thus plainly fixed by the Indian Council. the United States Com- missioners, the following day (August 17th), left the mouth of the Detroit River and reached Fort Erie on the 23d, whence they advised General Wayne of the outcome of their attempt at treaty. That officer at once directed his efforts toward raising, organizing and equipping such force as would be necessary to the gigantic charge thus devolved upon him. meantime keeping himself advised, as far as might be, of the plans and movements of the Indians. Ile was supplied with proof clearly showing the strong assurance of these, that in the crisis at hand they would have the active and decisive support of the British. Two Pottawatomics, taken prisoners in June, 1794, replied to ques- tions as follows :

When did your Nation receive the invitation from the British to join them and to go to war with the Americans ?

On the first of the last moon. The message was sent by three Chiefs-a Delaware, a Shawnee and a Miami.

What was the message brought by those Indian Chiefs, and what number of British troops were at Roche de Bœuf * (foot of Rapids of the Maumee), May 1st ?

That the British sent them to invite the Potta- watomies to go to war against the United States ; that they (the British) were then at Roche de Bamf, on their way to war against the Americans; that the number of British troops then there was about 400, with two pieces of artillery, exclusive of the Detroit Militia ; and had made a fortification around Colonel McKee's houses and stores at that place, in which they had deposited all their ammunition, arms, cloth- ing and provision, with which they promised to sup- ply all hostile Indians in abundance, provided they would join and go with them to war.

What tribes of Indians, and what their numbers, at Roche de Bœuf, on the Ist of May ? [1794.]

The Chippewas, Wyandots, Shawnees, Tawas, Delawares and Miamis.

* " Annals of the West," J. D. Albach, 1856, pp. 631-632.

* A point on the North side of the Maumee River, and a short distance above Waterville, Lucas County.

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

The prisoners further stated that Governor Simcoe the previous Winter sent the Potta- watomies a message urging united war against the Americans, saying he would command the whole force; and again in May, 1791, from Roche de Bœuf, sent another message, promis- ing fullest support in the proposed hostilities. " All the speeches that we got from him," said they, " were as red as blood ; all the wampum and feathers were painted red ; the war pipes and hatchets were red: and even the tobacco was red." They stated the Governor promised to join the Indians with 1,500 of his warriors ; but the tribe wanted peace, except a few fool- ish young men. Like testimony was obtained from members of other tribes-all concurring in clearly establishing the unscrupulous ac- tivity of the British authorities in fomenting trouble and encouraging hostilities on the part of the Indians, but for which promise of sup- port the whole difficulty would probably have been adjusted on a peaceful basis.

If more conclusive proof be wanting as to the part taken by the British Government in fo- menting antagonism between the Indians and the United States, it is supplied in the fact, that in April, 1794, Governor Simcoe was sent to the Rapids of the Maumee, within the ac- knowledged territories of the United States. and at a time of special irritation between the In- dians and our Government, to erect there a Fort. This action could have no other possible object, than by such means to encourage the savages with assurance of active support from the Brit- ish Government. About the same time, and as if in co-operation with the British intervention, a messenger from the Mississippi Province of Spain appeared in the Northwest, for the pur- pose of giving the Indians assurance of the sym- pathy and support of the Spanish Government. The character of his mission is shown in the opening sentences of his address to the Indians :

" Children !" said he, "you see me on my feet, grasping the tomahawk to strike them. We will strike together. I do not desire you to go before me in the front ; but to follow me. I present you with a war-pipe, which has been sent in all our names to the Musquakies, and all those Nations who live to- ward the setting Sun, to get upon their feet and take hold of our tomahawk ; and as soon they smoked it, they sent it back with a promise to get immediately on their feet, and join us and strike this enemy. You hear what these distant Nations have said to us, so that we have nothing further to do, but to put our designs into immediate execution, and to forward this pipe

to the three warlike Nations who have so long been struggling for their country, and who now sit at the Glaize. Tell them to smoke this pipe, and forward it to all the Lake Nations and their Northern Breth- ren. Then nothing will be wanting to complete our general union from the rising to the setting of the Sun, and all Nations will be ready to add strength to the blow we are going to strike."

The reasons and object operating both with Great Britain and Spain, in such alliance with the Indians, were understood at the time. The former power in March, 1793, had joined Russia in steps for cutting off the trade of France, then in a revolutionary state, with a view to the subjection of that country. To that end, the British Government. in June. 1794, issued an order for interdicting trade with all ports of France or ports occupied by French troops. To this the United States interposed its protest, and the matter soon assumed the character of serious irritation. This source of trouble. added to the lingering sensibility over the result of the recent revolution and the in- terests of Indian trade, was sufficient with the British Government to induce it to the aggres- sive action taken with the Indians. Spain's motive for the steps taken by her, arose in jealousy provoked by the advance of American colonies toward her domain in the Mississippi Valley. She had long been tampering with the Indians in the South, and now turned her attention to those of the North, in the hope of crippling the advancing settlements in the Northwest.

While measures were in progress with refer- ence to a peaceful adjustment of difficulties with the Indians, General Wayne was active in the raising, equipping and drilling his forces for aggressive steps, should sueb be found nec- essary. On the 30th of April, 1793, he moved down the Ohio. from Legionville, and encamped near Fort Washington, at a point called " HIob- son's Choice,"* from the fact that the high water prevented the selection of any other place in the vicinity. Here he was engaged in drilling his troops, etc , while negotiations for peace were in progress at the North. Such

* This term is understood to have had its origin in the practice of the pioneer livery-keeper of Cam- bridge, England, whose name was Hobson, and whose rule was, that customers must, in succession, take the horse nearest the stable door, to the end that no favoritism should be shown or advantage had by one customer over others. Hence, "Hobson's Choice " is no choice.

GENERAL WAYNE'S MILITARY MOVEMENTS.

menacing preparations were offensive to the Indians, and had no doubt the effect of embar- rassing peaceful measures.

The United States Commissioners left the mouth of Detroit River August 17, 1793, and arrived at Fort Erie on the 230, whence they despatched a messenger with notice to General Wayne of the failure of the negotiation. That officer at once commenced operations looking to an early advance toward the Maumee River. October 23d, he was six miles from Fort Jeffer- son ; and soon thereafter, in view of the ap- proach of the Winter season, he established Winter-quarters at Fort Greenville (built by him), near the site of the present Town of Greenville, Darke County. While lying there he sent out a detachment to the field of St. Clair's defeat, where 600 skulls were gathered up and buried. One of the party stated that before lying down in their tents at night, they had to scrape the bones together, to make room for their beds. Here was built Fort Recovery.

During the early months of 1794, General Wayne was engaged in preparation for a care- ful, but sure, advance. Meantime, by means of Captain Gibson and his force of spies, he was kept advised of the plans of the Indians.

July 26th, Colonel Scott, with 1,600 mounted Kentuckians, joined Wayne at Greenville, and on the 28th, his force moved forward. Ile reached the junction of the Au Glaize and Maumee Rivers, at Grand Glaize, and built Fort Defiance at that point. The Indians, learning of his approach, had hastily abandoned their Towns. Wayne was disappointed in not reaching Grand (Hlaize, the headquarters of the Savages, without discovery ; but they learned of his advance through a runaway member of the Quartermaster's Corps, who afterwards was taken at Pittsburgh. To accomplish such sur- prise, Wayne had cut two roads-one to the Rapids of the Maumee, at Roche de Bœuf, and another to the junction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph, while he pressed forward between the two, which strategy was defeated by the deserter referred to.

While at Fort Defiance, Gen. Wayne became fully advised of the movements and plans of the Indians, and of the collusion with them of the British authorities. In order, however, that hostilities even then might be averted, he transmitted by Christopher Miller a message to the Indians, appealing to them, in the name

of humanity and peace, for an amicable adjust- ment of matters, closing his address in the fol- lowing language :

Brothers! Be no longer deceived or led astray by the false promises and language of the bad men at the foot of the Rapids. They have neither power nor inclination to protect you. No longer shut your eyes to your true interests and happiness ; nor your ears to this overture of peace. But, in pity to your inno- cent women and children, come and prevent the further effusion of your blood. Let them experience the kindness and friendship of the United States of America, and the invaluable blessings of peace and tranquillity.

This was dated at Grand GHlaize, August 13, 1794.

Advancing down the Maumee, Gen. Wayne met Miller on the 16th, with the message of the Indians, to the effect, that if he would wait ten days at Grand Glaize, they would decide for peace or for war. Fully understanding the subtle design of such a proposition, Gen. Wayne continued his advance, reaching Roche de Boeuf, 41 miles below Grand Glaize, on the 18th. Here he commenced some light works, which he named Fort Deposit, taking its name from the fact that its chief purpose was that of de- posit for heavy baggage during the battle then imminent. On the 20th, about 8 A. M., Wayne moved down the North bank of the River. The Indians were encamped on Swan Creek, in rear of the British Fort (Miami), and behind thick brushwood. The Legion was on the right, its right covered by the River. A Brigade of mounted volunteers on the left, under Brig .- Gen. Todd, and another in the rear, com- manded by General Barbie. A select Battalion of mounted men, under Major Price, moved in front of the Legion, whose duty it was to give notice for any needed action. About five miles down, Price's force was so severely assailed by the enemy, ambushed in woods and grass, as to compel retreat. In two lines, the Legion promptly formed, extending some miles on the left, and some distance in front. The presence on the ground of a large quantity of fallen timber, the result of a severe tornado a year or two previous, constituted a barrier insurmount . able to the Cavalry, while affording excellent defense for the enemy, who were formed in three lines, within supporting distance, and extending for nearly two miles, at right angles with the River. The purpose of the enemy to turn Wayne's left was at once discovered. The

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

General ordered his second line to advance to the support of the first, the whole mounted fire being in motion. He directed Major- tieneral Scott, by a circuitous movement to gain and turn the right flank of the Indians, the front line at the same time advancing and charging with trailed arms, to drive the enemy from their covert at the point of the bayonet, a close and well directed fire to be dealt at their backs, followed by a brisk charge, in order that no time be allowed them for re-loading. The Legionary Cavalry, under Captain Camp- bell, were sent to turn the left flank of the en- emy, next the River, for which operation the field was favorable. All these movements were made with promptness. Such was the impet- nosity of the charge by the first line of Infan- try, that the Indians, Canada Militia, and De- troit Volunteers were driven from all coverts so suddenly, that it was impossible for other portions of the command to gain their proper positions in season to participate as contem- plated by the plan of the movement. The re- sult was, that by a force one-half their own, the Indians were driven two miles through thick woods, within the space of one hour. Their number was estimated at 2,000; while of Wayne's force, not more than 900 were suf- ficient to drive the savages and their allies precipitately in all directions, leaving the vic- tors in complete possession of the field. The battle closed in full view of the British Fort, and even under the muzzles of its guns. A large portion of the Indians found themselves so completely cut off from retreat, that they took to the River, across open ground, in passing which many were cut down by the Cavalry, who followed them into the stream.

Captain Campbell, of the Dragoons, was killed, and Captain Solomon Van Reunssalaer, of the same Corps, was shot through the body, devolving the command of that force on Lieu- tenant Covington, who had cut down two In- dians during the fight. The General's orders made strong commendation of all officers and men engaged, specially recognizing Brigadier- General Wilkinson and Colonel Hamtramck. Ilis Aides (De Butts, Lewis and Wm. Il. Har- rison) and Adjutant General ( Major Mills) were also mentioned for special service. Besides these, like acknowledgment was made as to Captains Lewis and Brock of the Light Intan- try; of Captains Slough and Prior and Lieu-

tenant Campbell Smith of the Legionary Infantry; Captain Van Rennssalaer of the Dragoons, and of Captain Rawlins, Lieutenant MeKinney and Ensign Duncan of the Mounted Volunteers-all wounded in the engagement. Among the dead, were Captain Campbell of the Dragoons, and Lieutenant Fowler of the Infan- try of the Legion, killed in the first charge. The number of Americans killed, including those dying of their wounds, was 39; and number wounded, 100. The loss of the enemy was estimated at twice that of General Wayne's command. The woods, for considerable dis- tance, were strewed with dead Indians and the bodies of White auxiliaries, armed with British muskets and bayonets .*

General Wayne remained three days and three nights in front of the scene of battle, during which time his forces destroyed all houses and cornfields of the Indians for miles above and below the Fort, and some within pistol shot of the British fortification. This work of destruction included not only the property of the Savages, but the houses and stores of Colonel MeKee, the British Agent, who was mainly responsible for the hostile course of the Indians. The destruction of McKee's property was the more significant, since the fact was well known to General Wayne that it belonged really to the British Government, and was sent there to sustain the Indians in their warfare on the United States.

* Andrew Race, a soldier of Wayne's Army, is credibly reported as giving the following statement in regard to the battle of Fallen Timbers: That the Indians were camped back some three miles from the Maumee River on the "Openings," the position having been selected by them with reference both to springs of water there existing and to the advantages of an open space, whereby they were scoured against sudden attack, with dense forests about them, to which they could readily retreat if attacked. While thus situated, the Indians were visited by a man claiming to have been sent by the commander of the British Fort at Miami, to notify them of Wayne'sde- fenseless condition at Presque Isle, and of the ease with which he might be overcome and captured by vigorous attack. Accepting such statement as cor- rect, the Indians at once moved forward for attack of the supposed defenseless force, who quietly awaited their approach within ready musket shot, when a murderous tire was opened on the Indians, who soon became demoralized and sought escape, mainly through the River, with Wayne's Cavalry in hot pursuit. What extent of credence is to be accorded to this statement, cannot now be known.

GENERAL WAYNE'S MILITARY MOVEMENTS.

While tarrying in the vicinity, General Wayne, in company with several officers, including General Wilkinson and Lieutenant Harrison, made critical examination of the British Fort, for such purpose approaching very near to the same. He found it to be a complete military work, mounting five guns on the River front. The rear had two bastions, with eight pieces of artillery. The whole was surrounded by a deep ditch with horizontal pickets projecting from the parapet over the ditch. The rise from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the parapet, perpendicular, was about 20 feet. All was surrounded by an abatis, and defended by a numerous garrison. General Wayne was so deeply impressed by what he there saw, that it was understood to be bis strong desire to storm the Fort. The special examination made in the face of the British commander was de- signed as well to provoke that officer to hostile action as for information as to the fortification. He did not succeed in the former of these pur- poses, but he did command the attention of the officer in command, as shown in the cor- respondence which followed the inspection. This was opened August 21st, by Major Wm. Campbell, commanding the British fortitica- tion. in the following letter to General Wayne :

MIAMI RIVER, August 21st, 1794.

An army of the United States of America, said to be under your command, having taken post on the banks of the Miami (Manmee) for upwards of the last 24 hours, almost within the reach of the guns of this fort, being a post belonging to His Majesty the King of Great Britain, occupied by His Majesty's troops. and which Ihave the honor to command, it becomes my duty to inform myself, as speedily as possible, in what light I am to view your making such near ap- proaches to this garrison. I have no hesitation, on my part, to say that I know of no war existing be- tween Great Britain and America.

To this, on the same day, General Wayne replied as follows :

T have received your letter of this date, requiring from me the motives which have moved the army under my command to the position they at present occupy, far within the acknowledged jurisdiction of the United States of America. Without questioning the authority or the propriety, sir, of your inter- rogatory, I think I may, without breach of decorum, observe to you, that were you entitled to an answer, the most full and satisfactory one was announced to you from the muzzles of my small arms, yesterday morning. in the action against the horde of savages in the vicinity of your post, which terminated gloriously to the American arms ; but, had it contin-

ned until the Indians, ete., were driven under the influence of the post and guns you mention, they would not have much impeded the progress of the victorious army under my command, as no such post was established at the commencement of the present war between the Indians and the United States.

Major Campbell replied in the following note on the 22d :

Although your letter of yesterday's date fully authorizes me to any act of hostility against the army of the United States in this neighborhood, under your command, yet, still anxious to prevent that dreadful decision which, perhaps, is not intended to be appealed to by either of our countries, I have forborne, for these two days past, to resent those in- sults you have offered to the British flag flying at this fort. by approaching it within pistol shot of my works, not only singly, but in numbers with arms in their hands. Neither is it my wish to wage war with individua's ; but should you, after this, continue to approach my post in the threatening manner you are this moment doing, my indispensable duty to my King and country, and the honor of my profession, will oblige me to have recourse to those measures, which thousands of either nation may hereafter have cause to regret, and which I solemnly appeal to God, I have used my utmost endeavor to arrest.

The same day General Wayne responded in the following note :

In your letter of the 2Ist you declare: "I have no hesitation on my part, to say that I know of no war existing between Great Britain and America." 1, on my part, declare the same, and the only cause I have to entertain a contrary idea at present is the bostile act you are now in commission of, i. e., by re- cently taking post far within the well-known and acknowledged limits of the United States, and erect- ing a fortification in the heart of the settlements of the Indian tribes now at war with the United States. This, sir, appears to be an act of the highest aggres- sion, and destructive to the peace and interest of the Union. Ilence it becomes my duty to desire, and I do hereby desire and demand, in the name of the President of the United States, that you immediately lesist from any further act of hostility or aggression, by forbearing to fortify, and by withdrawing the troops, artillery, and stores, under your orders and direction, forthwith, and removing to the nearest post occupied by His Britannie Majesty's troops at the peace of 1783, and which you will be permitted to do unmolested by the troops under my command.

Which correspondence closed with the fol- lowing letter of Major Campbell :

I have this moment to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date; in answer to which I have only to say that, being placed here in the command of a British post, and acting in a military capacity only, I cannot enter into any discussion either on the right or impropriety of my occupying my present

HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.

position. These are matters that I conceive will be best left to the ambassadors of our different nations. Having said this much, permit me to inform you that I certainly will not abandon this post at the sum- mons of any power whatever until I receive orders for that purpose from those I have the honor to serve under, or the fortune of war should oblige me. I must still adhere, sir, to the purport of my letter this morning, to desire that your army, or individuals be- longing to it, will not approach within reach of my cannon, without expecting the consequences at- tending it. Although I have said, in the former part of my letter, that my situation here is totally military, yet, let me add, sir, that I am much de- ceived if His Majesty the King of Great Britain had not a post on this River at and prior to the period you mention.

" The only notice taken of this letter," says Wayne, " was the immediate setting fire to and destroying everything within view of the Fort, and even under the muzzles of the guns. Had Major Campbell carried his threats into execu- tion, it is more than probable that he would have experienced a storm."

It has been confidently stated, with much appearance of correctness, that Little Turtle, or Mosh-e-noh-qua, the famous Miami Chief, who had already successfully fought St. Clair and Harmar, was opposed to meeting General Wayne at the Maumee Rapids. It was re- ported that at a council held the night previous to that engagement, he addressed his associates, counseling prudence, saying :

We have beaten the enemy twice, under different commanders. We cannot expect the same good for- tune always to attend us. The Americans are now led by a Chief who never sleeps. The night and the day are alike to him. And during att the time he has been marching upon our villages, notwithstand- ing the watchfulness of our young men, we have never been able to surprise him. Think well of it. There is something whispering me it won't be pru- dent to listen to his offers of peace.

The fact is well attested of a general belief among the Indians of the Northwest, that General Wayne was supernaturally endowed, and thus invulnerable. This view no doubt operated largely toward the condition of dis- couragement and apprehension on their part which followed their great disaster at Fallen Timbers in August, 1794.

The immediate object sought in this expedi- tion to the Maumee River having been attained in the brilliant and complete victory of " Fallen Timbers," General Wayne by easy marches made his way to the Grand Glaize, arriving

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History of the city of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio, Part 7

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903 Publication date: 1888 Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company Number of Pages: 1408

Author: Waggoner, Clark, 1820-1903
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: New York and Toledo : Munsell & Company
Number of Pages: 1408