USA > Ohio > The Ohio country between the years 1783 and 1815 : including military operations that twice saved to the United States the country west of the Alleghany Mountains after the revolutionary war > Part 7
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retired into it, and from their loopholes killed and wounded as already mentioned. Captain Elliott writes that they are immediately to hold a council at the Glaize [Auglaize or Grand Glaise, as above] in order to try if they can prevail upon the Lake In- dians to remain; but without provisions, ammunition, &c., being sent to that place, I conceive it will be extremely difficult to keep them together.
"With great respect, I have the honor to be
"Your obedient and humble servant,
" A. McKEE."
Great efforts were again made by the British, not only to keep together the Savages already near "their posts," but to have those "who had gone another route" return to them. Another letter from McKee to Colonel England reads as follows:
"RAPIDS, August 13, 1794.
"SIR: I was honored last night with your letter. of the IIth, and was extremely glad to find you are making such exertions to supply the Indians with provisions.
"Captain Elliott arrived yesterday; what he has brought will greatly relieve us, having been obliged yesterday to take all the corn and flour which the traders had here.
"A scouting party from the Americans carried off a man and a woman yesterday morning between this place and Roche de Bout, and afterwards attacked a small party of Delawares in their camp; but they were repulsed with the loss of a man, whom they either hid or threw into the river. They killed
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a Delaware woman. Scouts are sent up to view the situation of the army; and we now muster 1000 Indians. All the Lake Indians from Sagina down- wards should not lose one moment in joining their brethren, as every accession of strength is an addition to their spirits. I have the honor to be, &c. "A. McKEE."
The testimony of Savages of different tribes, taken by General Wayne, and others, yet further confirms the influence of the British in promoting, and fomenting, the war, even after most of the tribes desired peace with the Americans.
CHAPTER IX
WAYNE'S ARMY DEFEATS A HYDRA OF CONSPIRACIES
Further Advance of Wayne's Army-A Most Momentous Campaign-Builds Forts Adams and Defiance-The Enemy Flees-Wayne's Last Overture for Peace-The Army Nears the Enemy-Builds Fort Deposit, and Advances to Complete Victory-Buildings and Crops of British and their Allies Destroyed-Wayne's Emphatic Letters to the Commandant of Fort Miami-The Cas- ualties-Army Returns and Strengthens Fort Defiance- The Red Savages-British Strengthen their Forts in United States Territory.
M AJOR-GENERAL CHARLES SCOTT, with about sixteen hundred volunteer cavalry- men from Kentucky, who had been sent home for the winter, rejoined General Wayne's army, then numbering possibly two thousand soldiers, at Fort Greenville July 26, 1794; and the next day General Wayne ordered the general advance movement for the 28th.
This was to be a most momentous campaign.
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If this, the third army against these "allied " foes, be defeated, the country west and southwest of the Allegheny Mountains would, evidently, thence- forth be completely dominated by the British, and completely lost to the Americans, unless a general war was declared with Great Britain.
The army took up its march on the morning named in General Order, and soon evidences of the enemies' scouts became apparent. It was necessary to make a road through the great for- est, composed of great trees of oak, beech, maple, etc., which were larger and more numerous as the army advanced. The deep Beaver Swamp had to be bridged with "infinite " labor. At the crossing of the River St. Mary, a stop of two days was made for the purpose of building a fort, which was named Fort Adams. Here General Wayne was caught under a falling tree while urging more haste upon the choppers of logs for blockhouses and palisades. This accident "nearly put an end to his existence" but his indomitable will power forced him, and his army, forward without delay, and against all obstacles.
On August 8, 1794, the army arrived at its "Camp Grand Oglaize " (junction of the Auglaize River with the Maumee, site of the present city of Defiance, Ohio) at half-past ten o'clock in the
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morning. Here Wayne and his army were de- lighted with the beauty and fertility of the region. His diarist wrote that:
"This place far excels in beauty any in the western country, and believed equalled by none in the Atlantic States. Here are vegetables of every kind in abun- dance; and we have marched four or five miles in corn fields down the Oglaize [Auglaize], and there are not less than one thousand acres of corn round the town."
This being the point of confluence of three rivers, the Auglaize and Bean (later named the Tiffin) with the Maumee, it was naturally a great gather- ing place for the Aborigines; and but the evening before the arrival of the army a large number of them fled down the Maumee, and their straggling huts were found abandoned. This fact General Wayne attributed to their being informed regard- ing the details of his army by a deserter from his ranks a few days before; and the General consid- ered it a favorable circumstance. He had feinted toward the Miami villages at the head of the Mau- mee, and then as he thought toward Roche de Bout, then followed down the left bank of the Auglaize River "in a central direction "; and he congratu- lated himself, as well as the Secretary of War, that he had "gained possession of the grand em- porium of the hostile Aborigines of the West
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without loss of blood." Hereabout, as well as elsewhere along the rivers, the British had en- couraged the women of the Savages to cultivate corn and vegetables to relieve as much as possible the demands of the Savages on the British food supplies.
The army remained at the mouth of the Au- glaize River about one week. During this time there was here built, with Wayne's characteristic energy, a strong fort which he named Fort Defi- ance, a place where he could defy the red Savages and their British allies.
He not only planned and superintended the building of this fort, but from the first day of his arrival he continued his efforts to win over the Savages to peace with the United States, sending to them by "special flag" a well prepared letter which he styled his last overture for peace. He told the warriors addressed that he held the sev- eral Aborigines, who had been captured by his scouts, as hostages for the safe return of his "spe- cial flag." The bearer of this was Christopher Miller, who had lived with the Aborigines several years, and had been captured from them six months before being chosen to bear this flag.
General Wayne felt confident of success in the event of a conflict with the enemy. The day be-
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fore starting from Fort Defiance to meet whoever opposed him, he wrote to the Secretary of War reporting the situation of the enemies, and added : "Should war be their choice, that blood be upon their own heads. America shall no longer be in- sulted with impunity. To an all powerful and just God I therefore commit myself and gallant army."
On August 15th, leaving a garrison of about one hundred soldiers to guard, and to continue work on, Fort Defiance, as had also been done at the other forts, the army marched about forty-four miles down the left bank of the Maumee River toward the Fallen Timber, a place chosen by the enemies to make their stand against the oncoming Americans.
On the 18th, Wayne and his army arrived op- posite Roche de Bout, a narrow mass of sectile limestone that had been left in the river in wear- ing its channel, and which had been a landmark for the French for over one hundred years. Upon the high, precipitous left bank, the General planned an encampment within which the soldiers "threw up works to secure and deposit the heavy baggage of the troops, so that the men might be light for action, provided the enemy have pre- sumption to favor us with an interview, which if
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they should think proper to do, the troops are in such high spirits that we will make an easy victory of them."
At five o'clock in the morning of August 20th, 1794, the army marched from Fort Deposit down the left bank of the Maumee and, about three miles distant, met the enemy in Fallen Timber (the result of a former tornado) on and around Presque Isle, a prominence on the river bank, a former island in the river's early geologic history and another landmark of the early French. The enemy was here hidden in the grass and behind the fallen trees, and the unexpected discharge of their guns into the ranks at short range threw Wayne's advance guard into confusion; but the army was prepared for this and there was an im- mediate rally with definite orders from the Gen- eral, who at once saw the condition of affairs. The quickly ordered "charge with trailed arms" routed the Savages from their ambush and the rapid attack and slaughter of them in front and flank soon caused their general and promiscuous flight, with the Americans in such rapid and close pursuit for three or four miles, even to within range of the British Fort Miami's guns, that only part of Wayne's command could participate. General Wayne reported that:
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"From every account the enemy amounted to two thousand combatants. The troops actually engaged against them were short of nine hundred ... with loss of thirty-three killed and one hundred wounded [eleven of whom died before this report was written]. The loss of the enemy, composed of Aborigines, Cana- dian militia, and volunteers, was more than double to that of the Federal army. The woods were strewed for a considerable distance with dead bodies of the Aborigines and their white auxiliaries."
On his march down the river, about sixteen miles below Fort Defiance, General Wayne was met by Christopher Miller, his "special flag, " on his return from the enemy. The reply to the Gen- eral's "last overture for peace " was, "If you will remain at Grand Oglaize [Fort Defiance] ten days we will let you know whether we will be for peace or war." It was fortunate for the Canadian Brit- ish that General Wayne did not mind this reply. August 18th, two days before the Battle of Fallen Timber, Lieutenant-Governor and Colonel Simcoe wrote to Governor-General Lord Dorchester that he "would go to Detroit with all the force he could muster." Simcoe was pronounced in his hope that this third large American army would meet the fate of the other two. General Wayne's report shows that reinforcements of the enemy were received two days before, and later reports show
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reinforcement a few days after, the battle. His report to the Secretary of War further reads as follows:
"The Americans remained three days and nights on the banks of the Maumee in front of the field of battle, during which time all the houses and cornfields were consumed and destroyed for a considerable dis- tance, both above and below Fort Miami, as well as within pistol shot of that garrison, who were com- pelled to remain tacit spectators to this general devastation and conflagration, among which were the houses, stores and property of Colonel McKee the British Aborigine agent and principal stimulator of the war now existing between the United States and the Savages."
Major William Campbell of the British 24th Regiment, who was commanding officer of Fort Miami, early addressed a note to General Wayne protesting against his near approach to "a post belonging to his Majesty the King of Great Britain, occupied by his Majesty's troops," declaring that he "knew of no war existing between Great Britain and America." This gave occasion for two sharp letters from General Wayne, ordering the Major to get out of American territory with his command, Wayne knowing of course that an officer must obey only the orders of his commanding officer; but he chafed under this restraint, and reported
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to the Secretary of War, regarding Major Camp- bell's third courteous but firm letter, that:
"The only notice taken of this letter, was by im- mediately setting fire to, and destroying, everything within view of the fort, and even under the muzzles of his guns. Had Mr. Campbell carried his threats into execution, it is more than probable that he would have experienced a storm."
Prisoners were captured at the Battle of Fallen Timber, British soldiers and subjects, as well as their allies, the Savages, and they gave much im- portant information and evidence.
The army arrived at Fort Defiance, on its return, August 27th. The same fortifying of Wayne's camps was continued, to a moderate degree, as had been done with his advance, he always being on the guard against surprise by the stealthy foe. This gave rise to the statement by the Savages that General Wayne "never slept." The rapidity and security of his army's movements through "their country" caused them to call him "the wind "; and his impetuous, and to them disastrous, charge and pursuit at the Battle of Fallen Tim- ber gave him the name of "whirlwind " by their survivors.
Near the close of Wayne's report after his re- turn to Fort Defiance, he wrote in part as follows:
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"It is, however, not improbable that the enemy may make one desperate effort against this army, as it is said that a reinforcement was hourly expected at Fort Miami from Niagara as well as numerous tribes of Aborigines living on the margin and islands of the lakes. This is a business rather to be wished for rather than dreaded whilst the army remains in force. Their numbers will only tend to confuse the Savages and the victory will be the more complete and decisive, and which may eventually ensure a permanent and happy peace. "
Attention was at once given to the strengthening of Fort Defiance by the army, and the gathering of the corn and vegetables growing within com- fortable distance. The walls and roofs of the four blockhouses, and the palisades, were made "bomb proof"; a broad water-moat was made, with glacis nearly surrounding, and fascines with pick- ets. The junction of the Auglaize with the Mau- mee River was approached by an underground passageway for a safe and unlimited supply of water. This was the strongest fortification built by Wayne.
Immediately following the Battle of Fallen Timber, many of the Savages, not finding the ex- pected support and protection from the British Fort Miami, fled to Detroit, the British head- quarters, where an estimate placed their number,
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within a few days, at thirteen hundred. Addi- tional evidence of the severe effect of the battle on them and the British militia with them there, was the equipment, at Detroit, of another hos- pital with an additional surgeon, the expense of which was approved by Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe October 3Ist.
The British also proceeded at once to strengthen Fort Lernoult at Detroit; and a blockhouse was built on the opposite side of the river; also six gun- boats were constructed for patrolling the river and communicating with Forts Turtle Island and Miami.
As fast as possible Colonel McKee assembled the Savages by the Maumee River at the mouth of Swan Creek, about eight miles below Fort Mi- ami. The autumn and the following winter were times of great suffering among them. Their crops having been destroyed by the army, rendered them more than ever dependent on the British who, not being prepared for so great a task, and withal quite fatigued before with their exactions, "did not half supply them." They were huddled so closely together along the Maumee that much sickness prevailed from want of sanitary regula- tions, exposure, and scant food supply, in addi- tion to the malaria of the warmer weather, stored
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in their systems. The few domestic animals they possessed also languished, died, or were killed, and were eaten by their masters. They became impatient, murmured at the failure of the British to protect and supply them according to promise, and lamented that they had not made peace with the Americans.
The British also suffered severely during this time. Colonel Richard England wrote, October 28, 1794, to Francis Le Maître, British Military Secretary, complaining of the great amount of food supplies taken by Colonel McKee (to the Maumee River at the mouth of Swan Creek) for the Aborig- ines; also for those taken "for the garrisons at Fort Miamies [about thirty-five miles within Amer- ican territory] and at Turtles Island" (at the mouth of Maumee Bay). He paid the soldiers of these garrisons "a dollar a chord for Cutting & piling the Fire wood necessary for these Posts for the winter." Loss by death at these posts "by that unfavorable climate" was very severe. At the date of Colonel England's writing there were:
"of the 24th Regiment only one hundred & fifty-four on the Surgeon's sick list Report. Those who sur- vive will not I fear be fit for any Duty this winter, as their disorder is of such a nature as to give but little hope of a speedy or permanent recovery.
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Every attention is paid to them that this [Detroit] Post will admit of, but from the very unusual Con- sumption of Medicine, Our Stock, as well as all that could be purchased here, is totally Expended, and we look with impatience for a supply from Lower Canada. "
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CHAPTER X
THE TAMING OF THE BROKEN SAVAGE SPIRIT
Wayne Marches his Army to the Site of the Miami Villages- There Builds Fort Wayne-Receives and Makes Valuable Friends of Deserters from the British-Disaffection of Kentucky Volunteers-They are Sent Home-Savage Scouts Active at Fort Defiance-Wayne's Suggestion of General Council with Aborigines Meets Favor.
G ENERAL WAYNE and army remained at Fort Defiance until September 14, 1794, nursing the wounded, sick, and fatigued, working about the fort, disciplining his army, gathering the crops, and despatching detachments for other needed supplies. These detachments were de- layed by bad condition of trails, bad weather, and malarial affections; and the troops on varied duties also suffered with ague and allied affections. A few thoughtless ones strayed beyond the officers' orders, and were killed or captured by prowling Savages.
Fort Defiance being completed, well garrisoned,
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and supplied, and everything being in readiness, the army took up the line of march in the morning of September 14th, crossed to the left (north) bank of the Maumee, and moved westward, the destination being the site of the Miami villages at the head of the river, the place of General Harmar's sad defeat four years previous. Arrival there was made toward evening of the 17th, with- out molestation or very serious experience.
The next day, the General selected the site for, and planned, a fort, which the army built as soon as the now wet and windy weather would permit.
Four deserters from the British arrived the 23d, and gave valuable information. This was the second lot of four who arrived this week. On the 26th, one of the army's scouts reported that the Savages had been troublesome at Fort Defi- ance, killing some of the garrison under its walls.
The work on the new fort progressed well for a time; then the volunteers from Kentucky lost patience with work and started to disobey the orders of their General, Scott. He, however, was equal to the occasion, telling them that "if they made the smallest delay they should lose all their pay and be reported to the war office as revolters." For a short time this had the desired effect upon them; and the entire army was improved in obedi-
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ence therefrom. The diary for next day, October 3d, reads that "Every officer, non-commissioned officer, and soldier belonging to the square are on fatigue this day, hauling trees on the hind wheels of wagons." Again on the 7th, "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." In consequence, all the soldiers were necessarily con- fined to half rations for some days.
General Wayne continued active with Canadian deserters from the British, and the reports brought to him by them. He found opportunity to win their aid toward furthering the American cause; for, by giving them pardon, and some pecuniary profit for supplying the American garrisons, he won their influence in diverting the American Sav- ages from the British to the Americans, their rightful advisers. These deserters well performed their part of the contract, and the result again showed the wisdom of President Washington's choice of a commander for this very important kind of work, as well as for discipline and battle.
On October 12th, the mounted volunteers from Kentucky were started for Fort Greenville, to be mustered and dismissed; and six days later other detachments moved away for special work. The
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next day, Sunday, the troops remaining at the head of the river were not ordered to work, it being the first day of rest for four weeks; and they were gathered for divine service.
On the 22d, the command of the new fort was given to Lieutenant-Colonel Hamtramck, with five companies of infantry and one company of artillery. The troops were paraded; he ordered the "firing fifteen rounds of cannon," one for each State then composing the Union, and gave the new post the name Fort Wayne. This fort was destined to be the most enduring of all General Wayne's fortifications, lasting twenty-four years. While not so compact and strong for defence as Fort Defiance, it was to become a very important post for the completion of its builder's work in subjugating the Savages, so well begun; and a place for acting an important part in a later war against the continued aggressions of the British and their savage allies. Its name and site, as those of Fort Defiance, have been perpetuated in a beautiful, flourishing, and patriotic city.
Leaving Fort Wayne and the appointed garri- son in good condition, the remainder of Wayne's army resumed its march October 28, 1794, pass- ing up the right bank of the St. Marys River, past Fort Adams, to the site of the present
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city of St. Marys, where Wayne afterwards built a fort, and thence southward. They arrived at Fort Greenville November 2, 1794, receiving from there a salute of "twenty-four rounds from a six- pounder."
General Wayne could not remain idle; nor would he permit his soldiers to remain idle. His grasp of the situation was complete, and his views of its necessities were practical. His first duty was to keep his trains of packhorses on the trail, along the great number of long, weary miles through the wilderness, going for, and returning with, supplies for his army and for his several forts.
The situation also required more fortifications, and protected camping places for the supply trains. In person, he carefully selected the sites, and planned, and directed his soldiers to build, Forts Piqua and Loramie by the upper waters of the Miami River (flowing southward into the Ohio) ; Fort St. Mary, by the river with the same name,
the southern tributary of the Maumee River, and Fort Auglaize, by the "head of the Auglaize." This was the head of its navigation, at the north end of the portage from Fort St. Mary to the Au- glaize River, and thus communicated directly with Fort Defiance by a shorter and better way
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than his first trail. The sites of these forts, like those of all other forts built by this wide-awake General, were well chosen; and larger fortifications were there built for the War of 1812, as shown on later pages.
The Secretary of War was kept informed, by full reports, regarding these works, and of the General's activities in diplomatically bringing about further changes in the minds of the Aborig- ines regarding their best interests. This work began soon after the Battle of Fallen Timber.
George Ironside, an observing and honest Englishman and former prominent British trader among the Aborigines at the junction of the Au- glaize with the Maumee River, where Wayne later built Fort Defiance, also gave aid to this work by writing and saying that, at the Battle of Fallen Timber, "The Aborigines as yet had felt only the weight of General Wayne's little finger, and that he would surely destroy all the tribes if they did not turn to peace with the Americans."
Some Frenchmen, British soldiers captured in Wayne's great battle, and also later deserters from the British, were soon won over to Wayne by his strong personality, and to the American cause by its reasonableness; and they became willing and valuable agents in approaching and
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converting the Aborigines in the time of their great distress in the winter of 1794-95, following the destruction of their crops, and the neglect of them by their allies, the British. On invitation, chiefs visited the American fortifications, and Gen- eral Wayne at Greenville, where their temporary wants were supplied; and a grand council of them with the Americans was suggested. This sugges- tion was well received by the visiting chiefs, and they were instructed to communicate this request to others.
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