USA > Ohio > Auglaize County > History of western Ohio and Auglaize County, with illustrations and biographical sketches of pioneers and prominent public men > Part 4
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main body, with the loss of one hundred and eight killed and twenty-eight wounded."
"Major McMillan came up with his force while the battle was raging, but could not turn its tide, although he succeeded in enab- ling the discomfited to retire, which they did in comparative good order."
The following incident is related by Knapp in his history of the battle. It occurred at the crossing of the river : "A young Indian and his father and brother were crossing, when the ball of a white man passed through his body, and he fell. The old man seeing his boy fall, dropped his rifle, and attempted to raise his fallen son, in order to convey him beyond the reach of the white men, when the other son also fell by his side. He drew them both to the shore, then sat down between them, and with fearless, Roman composure, awaited the approach of the pursuing foe, who came up and killed him also."
To put the best face possible on the great defeat, General Harmar, on the evening of the 22d, issued the following order :
"CAMP EIGHT MILES FROM THE RUINS OF THE MAUMEE TOWNS, 1790.
"The General is exceedingly pleased with the behavior of the militia in the action of this morning. They have laid very many of the enemy dead upon the spot. Although our loss is great, still it is inconsiderable in comparison to the slaughter among the savages. Every account agrees that upwards of one hundred warriors fell in the battle. It is not more than man for man, and we can afford them two for one. The resolution and firm, deter- mined conduct of the militia has effectually retrieved their char- acter in the opinion of the General. He knows they can and will fight."
Knapp, in his history of the campaign, in commenting on the generalship of Harmar is severe, but just, in his criticism :
"It is easy to judge from the events narrated what kind of fitness Harmar possessed for the service to which he was called. A general who encamps in the neighborhood of the enemy, with a force large enough to exterminate him, and contents himself with sending out detachments to be destroyed, successively, where no adequate reason exists why the whole force should not have been brought into action, deserves not the name of a military man. Harmar kept two-thirds or three-fourths of his troops eight miles
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from the battle ground, inactive, and of as little service as if he had left them at Fort Washington. He appeared to be fully con- soled for the loss of the brave officers and soldiers who fell by the savage tomahawk and rifle, by the reflection expressed in the general orders that the American troops could afford to lose twice as many men as the Indians. My unfavorable judgment is supported by that of the actors of that campaign who still sur- vive."
The Indian chiefs, Little Turtle and Blue Jacket, commanded the savages in the two battles with Colonel Hardin with the same ability that they exhibited afterward in St. Clair's defeat.
Before closing the history of this disastrous campaign, the captivity and escape of Jackson Johonnet must receive notice. On the eleventh day of the march, when near the junction of Lor- amie's creek with the Great Miami, eleven of Harmar's scouts were intercepted and taken prisoner by a party of Kickapoo In- dians.
"Having been bound and secured in the usual manner, they were driven before the captors like a herd of bullocks, and with scarcly a morsel of food, were forced to make the most exhaust- ing marches in the direction of the Kickapoo village. On the second day, George Aikins, one of his companions, a native of Ireland, was unable to endure his sufferings any longer and sunk under his pack in the middle of the path. They instantly scalped him as he lay, and stripping him naked, pricked him with their knives in the most sensitive parts of the body, until they had aroused him to a consciousness of his situation, when they tor- tured him to death in the usual manner.
"The march then recommenced, and the wretched prisoners, faint and famished as they were, were so shocked at the fate of their companion, that they bore up for eight days under all their sufferings. On the ninth, however, they reached a small village, where crowds of both sexes came out to meet them, with shrieks anu yells, which filled them with terror. Here they were com- pelled, as usual, to run the gauntlet, and as they were much worn down by hunger and fatigue, four of the party, viz: Durgee, Forsythe, Deloy and Benton, all of New England, were unable to reach the council house, but fainted in the midst of the course. The boys and squaws instantly fell upon them, and put them to death by torture.
"Here they remained in close confinement, and upon very scanty diet. for several days, in the course of which the news of Harmar's defeat arrived. Piles of scalps together with canteens, sashes, military hats, etc., were brought into the village, and sev- eral white women and children were taken through the town on
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their way to the villages farther west. At the same time four more of his companions were led off to the western villages, and never heard of afterward. Himself and a corporal named Sack- ville were now the only survivors. They remained in close con- finement two weeks longer. Their rations were barely sufficient to sustain life, and upon the receipt of any unpleasant intelligence, they were taken out, whipped severely, and compelled to run the gauntlet.
"At length, on the fourteenth night of their confinement, they determined to make an effort to escape. Sackville had concealed a sharp penknife in a secret pocket, which the Indians had been unable to discover. They were guarded by four warriors and one old hag, of seventy, whose temper was as crooked as her person. The prisoners having been securely bound, the warriors lay down about midnight to sleep, ordering the old squaw to set up during the rest of the night. Their guns stood in the corner of the hut, and their tomahawks, as usual, were attached to their sides. Their hopes of escape were founded upon the probability of eluding the vigilance of the hag, cutting their cords, and either avoiding or destroying their guard. The snoring of the warriors quickly announced them asleep, and the old squaw hung in a drowsy atti- tude over the fire. Sackville cautiously cut his own cords, and after a few moments' delay, succeeded in performing the same office for Jackson.
"But their work was scarcely begun yet. It was absolutely necessary that the old squaw should fall asleep, or be silenced in some other way, before they could either leave the hut, or attack the sleeping warriors. They waited impatiently for half an hour, but perceiving that although occasionally dozing, she would rouse herself at short intervals, and regard them suspiciously, they exchanged looks of intelligence, (being afraid even to whisper) and prepared for the decisive effort. Jackson suddenly sprang up as silently as possible, and grasping the old woman by the throat, drew her head back with violence, when Sackville, who had watched his movements attentively, instantly cut her throat from ear to ear. A short gurgling moan was the only sound which escaped her, as the violence with which Jackson grasped her throat, effiectually prevented her speaking.
"The sleepers were not awakened, although they appeared somewhat disturbed at the noise, and the two adventurers, seiz- ing each a rifle, struck at the same moment with such fury as to disable two of their enemies. The other two instantly sprang to their feet, but before they could draw their tomahawks or give the alarm they were prostrated by the blows of the white men, who attacked them, at the moment that they had gained their feet. Their enemies, although stunned, were not yet dead. They drew their tomahawks from their sides, therefore, and striking each Indian repeatedly upon the head, completed the work by piercing
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the heart of each with his own scalping knife. Selecting two rifles from the corner, together with their usual appendages, and taking such provisions as the hut afforded, they left the village as rapidly as possible, and fervently invoking the protection of heaven, committed themselves to the wilderness.
"Neither of them were good woodsmen, nor were either of them expert hunters. They attempted a southeastern course, however, as nearly as they could ascertain it, but were much em- barrassed by the frequent recurrence of impassable bogs, which compelled them to change their course, and greatly retarted their progress. Knowing that the pursuit would be keen and persever- ing, they resorted to every method of baffling their enemies. They waded down many streams, and occasionally surmounted rocky precipices, which, under other circumstances, nothing could have induced them to attempt. Their sufferings from hunger were excessive, as they were so indifferently skilled in hunting, as to be unable to kill a sufficient quantity of game, although the woods abounded with deer, beaver, and buffalo.
"On the fourth day, about 10 o'clock, A. M., they came to a fine spring, where they halted and determined to prepare their breakfast. Before kindling a fire, however, Sackville, either upon some vague suspicion of the proximity of an enemy, or from some other cause, thought proper to ascend an adjoining hillock and reconnoiter the ground around the springs. No measure was ever more providential. Jackson presently beheld him returning cautiously and silently to the spring and being satisfied from his manner that danger was at hand, he held his rifle in readiness for action at a moment's warning. Sackville presently rejoined him with a countenance in which anxiety and resolution were strik- ingly blended. Jackson eagerly inquired the cause of the alarm. His companion, in a low voice, replied that they were within one hundred yards of four Indian warriors, who were reposing upon the bank of the little rivulet on the other side of the hillock. That they were about kindling a fire in order to prepare their breakfast, and that two white men lay bound hand and foot within twenty feet of them.
"He added that they were evidently prisoners, exposed to the same dreadful fate which they had just escaped; and con- cluded by declaring, that if Jackson would stand by him faith- fully, he was determined to rescue them or perish in the attempt. Jackson gave him his hand and expressed his readiness to accom- pany him. Sackville then looked carefully to the priming of his gun, loosened his knife in the sheath, and desired Jackson to fol- low him, without making the slightest noise. They, accordingly, moved in a stooping posture up a small and bushy ravine, which conducted them to the top of the gentle hill. When near the sum- mit, they threw themselves flat upon the ground, and crawled into a thick cluster of whortelberry bushes, from which they had a
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fair view of the enemy. The Indians had not changed their posi- tion, but one of the white men was sitting up, and displayed the countenance of a young man, apparently about twenty-five, pale, haggard and exhausted. Two Indians, with uplifted tomahawks, sat within three feet of him. One lay at full length upon the ground, while the remaining one was in the act of lighting a fire.
"Sackville cocked his gun, and in a low voice directed Jack- son to fire at one of the guards who, from the quantity of beads. and silver about his head, appeared to be a chief, while he selected the other guard for a mark. Each presented at the same moment, took a steady aim and fired. Both Indians fell - the chief shot dead, the other mortally wounded. The other two Indians squatted in the grass like terrified partridges, when the hawk hovers over them, and lay still and motionless. Sackville and Jackson reloaded their guns as rapidly as possible, and shifted their positions a few paces in order to obtain a better view of the enemy. In the mean time the two Indians cautiously elevated their heads above the grass, and glanced rapidly around in order to observe from what quarter the fatal shots were discharged. The thin wreaths of smoke which curled above the bushes where- our adventurers lay, betrayed their hiding place to the enemy. Before they could take advantage of it, however, they were ready to fire again, and this second volley proved fatal to one of their enemies who lay without motion, but the other was only slightly wounded, and endeavored to reach the bushes upon the opposite side of the brook.
"Sackville and Jackson now sprang to their feet and rushed upon him, but the desperate savage shot Sackville through the heart as he advanced, and flourished his tomahawk so menacingly at Jackson, that he was compelled to pause and reload his gun. The savage seized this opportunity to grasp the two rifles belong- ing to the Indians who had been first killed, and Jackson in conse- quence was compelled to retreat to the friendly shelter of the bushes, which he had too hastily abandoned. At this instant, the two prisoners having burst the cords which confined them, sprung to their feet and ran towards the bushes for protection. Before they could reach them, however, the Indian shot one dead, and fired his last gun at the other but without effect. Jackson having re- loaded, again fired upon their desperate enemy and wounded him in the neck from which he could see the blood spouting in a stream. Nothing daunted, the Indian rapidly reloaded his gun and again fired without effect.
"The savage, although much exhausted from loss of blood, sat up at their approach and flourishing a tomahawk in each hand seemed at least determined to die game. Johonnet was anxious. to take him alive, but was prevented by his companion, who level- ing his gun as he advanced, shot his adversary through the head, and thus put an end to the conflict. It was a melancholy victory
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to the survivors. Johonnet had lost his gallant comrade, and the rescued white man had to lament the death of his fellow captive. The last Indian had certainly inflicted a heavy penalty upon his enemies, and died amply revenged. The rescued prisoner proved to be George Sexton, of Newport, Rhode Island, a private in Har- mar's army ..
"Fortunately for Johonnet, his new comrade was an excel- lent woodsman, and very readily informed his deliverer of their present situation, and of the proper course to steer. He said that, in company with three others, he had been taken by a party of Wabash Indians, in the neighborhood of Fort Jefferson; that two of his comrades having sunk under their sufferings had been tomahawked and scalped upon the spot; that himself and his dead companion had been in hourly expectation of a similar fate ; and concluded, with the warmest expressions of gratitude for the gallantry with which he had been rescued. So lively, indeed, was his sense of obligation, that he would not permit Jackson to carry his own baggage, nor would be suffer him to watch more than three hours in the twenty-four. On the following day, they for- tunately fell in with a small detachment from Fort Jefferson, by which they were safely conducted to the fort. Here Jackson re- mained until summoned to attend St. Clair, in his disastrous expe- dition against the same Miami villages where he had lately suf- fered so much." *
Notwithstanding the compliments paid to the militia in his ·General Order of October 22d, General Harmar had lost all con- fidence in the militia. The ill feeling that existed between the regular troops, and the officers and enlisted men of Kentucky be- gan to be manifested on the return march to Fort Washington. "At old Chillicothe, now Old Town, on the Little Miami," says Colonel Hardin, "a number of the militia, contrary to orders, fired off their guns. I endeavored to put a stop to such disorderly be-
* The statement that Jchonnet and Sexton "fell in with a small detachment from Fort Jefferson, by which they were safely conducted to the fort, etc." is a gross error. The erection of Fort Jefferson did not take place until the middle of October, 1791. The detachment re- ferred to, by the author of "Sketches of Western Adventure," was prob- ably a rear-guard of scouts on duty in the rear of Harmar's retreating army and the fort to which they were conducted was probably Fort Washington.
With the exception of the error noted, McClung's account of the adventures of Johonnet is the most plausible one that has ever appeared in print.
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havior, and commanded that those offenders that could be taken should be punished agreeably to general orders; and having · caught a soldier myself in the very act of firing his gun, ordered a file of men to take him immediately and carry him to the six- pounder, and for the drummer to tie him up and give him six lashes. I was shortly after met by Colonel Trotter and Major McMullen, and a number of militia soldiers who, in an abrupt manner, asked me by what authority I ordered that soldier whip- ped ; I replied in support of general orders, on which a very warm dispute ensued between Colonel Trotter, Major McMullen and myself.
"The General being informed of what had happened, came forward and gave Colonel Trotter and Major McMullen a very severe reprimand, ordered the federal troops to parade, and the drummer to do his duty, swearing he would risk his life in support of his orders; the man received the number of lashes ordered, and several that were confined were set at liberty ; numbers of the militia seemed much pleased with what had been done. This in- tended mutiny being soon quashed, the army proceeded in good order to Fort Washington.
"When the army arrived at the mouth of the Licking, the General informed me he had determined to arrest some of the militia officers for their bad conduct, and send them home in dis- grace ; but I opposed his intention, alleging that it would be a disgrace to the whole militia; that he would perhaps stand in need of their assistance on some future occasion, and it would sour their minds and cause them to turn out with. reluctance ; and that his discharging them generally with honor, perhaps, would answer a better purpose; the general readily indulged my re- quest."
The following extracts from the letters written by Judge Symmes to Captain Dayton, the first, dated November 6th, 1790, and the second bearing date, August 15th, 1791, exhibit the bad state of feeling among officers and men at the times of writing :
I. "One consequence I dread, which I fear will work us injury in future attempts against the Indians. A most bitter jeal- ousy and reviling has taken place between the regular troops and the militia, and this is not confined to the privates alone. I fear :a flame of abuse will ere long break out. As I was not on the
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expedition, I cannot judge between them, but I much fear the effects thereof.
"I am, dear sir, yours, "JOHN C. SYMMES. "CAPT. DAYTON."
2. "The governor's proclamations have convulsed these set- tlements beyond your conception, sir, not only with regard to the limits of the purchase, but also with respect to his putting part of the town of Cincinnati under military government. Nor do the people find their subordination to martial law a very pleasant situation. A few days ago a very decent citizen, by the name of Shaw, from New England (and one too, who lived with his- family a considerable distance beyond the limits assigned by proc- lamation round Fort Washington, for the the exercise of the law martial), was put in irons, as I was yesterday credibly informed, his house burned by the miltary and he banished from the terri- tory. I hear his charges are, that of purchasing some of the sol- diers' clothing, and advising in some desertions, but of this he was not otherwise convicted (for he asserts his innocence), than by the soldiers' accusation after he had deserted and been retaken, which he might possibly do in order to shift the blame in some degree from himself in hopes of more favor. There are, indeed, many other acts of a despotic complexion, such as some of the officers, Capt. Armstrong, Capt. Kirkwood, Lieut. Pastures, and Ensign Schuyler, very recently, and Capt. Strong, Capt. Ford, Capt. Ashton, and Ensign Hartshorn, while General Harmar commanded, beating and imprisoning citizens at their pleasure. But here, in justice to the officers generally of the levies, I ought to observe that, as yet, I have heard no complaint of any severity or wantonness in them. The violences of which I speak are found among the officers of the regular troops, who, in too many in- stances, are imperiously haughty, and evidently effect to look down on the officers of the levies.
"Your most devoted, humble servant,
"JOHN C. SYMMES. "HON. JONATHAN DAYTON."
CHAPTER VI.
ST. CLAIR'S CAMPAIGN.
The expeditions of Harmar, Scott and Wilkinson against the Miami and Shawnee Indians, served only to exasperate them. The burning of their towns, the destruction of their corn, and the captivity of their women and children, instead of subduing them, aroused them to more desperate efforts in defense of their coun- try. Impressed with the opinion that the United States wished to deprive them of their lands, and exterminate their race, they formed a league, composed of the Miamis, Delawares, Wyandots, Kickapoos, Mohawks, Pottawottomies, Ottawas, Chippewas, and a few Creek Indians. This league was organized and commanded by the celebrated chiefs, Little Turtle of the Miamis, Blue Jacket of the Shawnees, and Buckongahelas of the Delawares. "It was a league not to be despised. And these powerful chiefs not only had the aid of Simon Girty, but of McKee and Elliott, of the British Indian Department, and of a number of British and French traders who generally resided among the Indians, and supplied them with arms and ammunition in exchange for peltries." One of these traders was James Girty, who left St. Marys hurriedly when he heard of the approach of General Harmar's army.
By authority of an act of Congress of March 3d, 1791, Ar- thur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, was ap- pointed Major General and Commander-in-Chief. On the 21st of March, 1791, the Secretary of War sent General St. Clair a letter of instructions, from which the following is an extract :
"While you are making use of such desultory operations as in your judgment the occasion may require, you will proceed vig- orously, in every preparation in your power, for the purpose of the main expedition; and having assembled your force, and all things being in readiness, if no decisive indications of peace should have been produced, either by messengers or by the desultory operations, you will commence your march for the Miami village, in order to establish a strong and permanent military post at that place. In your advance you will establish such posts of communi- cation with Fort Washington, on the Ohio, as you may judge
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proper. The post at the Miami village is intended for aweing and curbing the Indians in that quarter, and as the only preventive of future hostilities. It ought, therefore, to be rendered secure against all attempts and insults of the Indians. The garrison which should be stationed there ought not only to be sufficient for the defense of the place, but always afford a detachment of five or six hundred men, either to chastise any of the Wabash or other hostile Indians, or to secure any convoy of provisions. The estab- lishment of said post is considered as an important object of the
MAJ. GEN. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.
campaign, and is to take place in all events. In case of a previous treaty, the Indians are to be conciliated upon this point if possible, and it is presumed good arguments may be offered to induce their acquiescence. Having commenced your march upon the main expedition, and the Indians continuing hostile, you will use every possible exertion to make them feel the effects of your superiority ; and after having arrived at the Miami village, and put your works in a defensible state, you will seek the enemy with the whole of your remaining force, and endeavor, by all pos- sible means, to strike them with great severity. *
* * In order to avoid further wars, it might be proper to make the Wa- bash, and thence over to the Maumee, and down the same to its
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mouth at Lake Erie, the boundary (between the people of the United States and the Indians), excepting so far as the same should relate to the Wyandots and Delawares, on the supposition of their continuing faithful to the treaties. But if they should join in the war against the United States, and your army be victorious, the said tribes ought to be removed without the boundary men- tioned."
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On the 9th of March, 1791, General Henry Knox, Secre- tary of War, sent Brigadier General Scott, of Kentucky, a simi- lar letter of instructions.
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