USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 34
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A CALL ON THE PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS OF OHIO.
The situation of our country has compelled the Government to resort to precautionary measures of defense. In obedience to this call, eight hundred men have abandoned the comforts of domestic life, and are here assembled in camp at the distance of some hundred miles from home, prepared to protect our frontier from the awful effects of savage and of civilized warfare. But the unprecedented celerity with which they have moved precluded the possibility of properly equipping them. Many, very many of them, are destitute of blankets ; and, without these indispensable articles, it will be impossible for them to move to their point of destination.
CITIZENS OF OHIO ! This appeal is made to You-let each family furnish one or more BLANKETS, and the requisite number will be completed. It is not requested as a boon ; the moment your blankets are delivered, you shall receive their full value, in money-they are not to be had at the stores. The season of the year is approaching, when each family may, without inconvenience, part with one.
Mothers ! Sisters ! Wives !- Recollect that the men in whose favor this appeal is made have connections as near and dear as any which can bind you to life. These they have voluntarily abandoned, trusting that the integrity and patriotism of their fellow-citizens will supply every requisite for themselves and their families ; and, trusting that the same Spirit which enabled their Fathers to achieve their Independence, will enable their Sons to defend it.
R. J. MEIGS, Governor of Ohio.
HEADQUARTERS, Dayton, May 7, 1812.
The Indians were growing quite uneasy along the frontier and annoying to the little settlements at the front. There were still 1,970 of them in the north- west corner of the State. Five tribes:
Shawnees 700.
Ottawas. .550.
Wyandots .300.
Senecas. . .220.
Delawares and Muncies 200.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
The Shawnee lands were around the head-waters of the Great Miami and the Auglaize Rivers; the Ottawas principally along Lake Erie; the Wyan- lots on the Sandusky River; the Senecas, Delawares and Muncies on the same river and its tributary streams. Preble, Darke and Miami Counties were threat- ned; many of the settlers, with their families, fled from the frontier, spread- ng the alarm. Indian parties were so annoying that it was necessary to keep the Miami County militia constantly scouting to the north and west of Piqua. In the northern part of this county, from the Miami River west to Preble County, two or three block-houses were built as rallying points for the settlers.
Gen. Munger, with the Dayton Troop of Horse, was ordered from camp, at Hole's Creek, on a scout to the front, beyond Greenville. May 10, he returned with the information that friendly Indians were advising the whites to move nto the settlements; that the Prophet, with a large body of Indians, was in camp seventy miles from Greenville, expecting to advance against the settle- ments in about six weeks. Gov. Meigs at once ordered a company of riflemen, from Col. McArthur's regiment, to march to Greenville, and another to Piqua, to protect the settlers and the public property. Gov. Meigs left for Cincinnati, expecting to meet Gen. Hull, but returned on the 15th, without him.
Gen. John S. Gano and Col. Lewis Cass, on Wednesday, the 13th, arrived from Cincinnati, with 600 men, and went into camp on the common, swelling the number of troops in camp to about 1,400.
The Shawnee chiefs, from the Wapakonetta towns, were at Piqua in conference with Col. John Johnston, the United States Indian Agent, and there was great anxiety to know whether their decision would be for peace or war. On the 14th, reports came of the capture of six buck Indians and a squaw by the militia, near Troy. The next day, near Greenville, the Indians attacked a party of five or six whites, who were planting, wounding one man. The Indians were pursued and one of them killed and one wounded.
The Indians, in council, at Piqua, gave assurances that friendly relations with the whites would be continued; but the people placed no confidence in their professions.
May 20, Capt. Mansfield arrived in camp from Cincinnati, with his com- pany of light infantry. The troops had become used to camp life and their du- ties as soldiers, and had acquired some practice in the manual of arms and com- pany evolutions. The Governor had assembled these 1,500 recruits, hastily organized into companies, officered by men of their own choice. The time had now arrived for the organization of these companies into regiments.
May 21, three regiments of infantry were formed-the First, Second and Third Ohio Militia-the first troops ever organized by the State authorities. For the First Regiment, Duncan McArthur was elected Colonel, and James Denny and William A. Trimble, Majors. For the Second Regiment, James Findlay was elected Colonel, and Thomas Moore and Thomas B. Van Horn, Majors. For the Third Regiment, Lewis Cass was elected Colonel, and Robert Morrison and Jeremiah R. Munson, Majors.
After the assignment of companies and election of officers, the First Regi- ment returned to their camp south of the town, the other two regiments remain- ing in camp on the common. A better state of discipline was maintained and everything placed in military trim. Capt. Van Cleve's company of Dayton rifle- men volunteered their services for the protection of the frontier; there being already more than the State's quota of troops mustered into the service, this company, with many others, were organized into battalions and regiments, for outpost duty, to guard supply trains and to keep open the line of communica- tions with the army.
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HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Gov. Meigs had discharged his duty well, had remained in the Miami Val- ley, giving personal attention to the enlistment and organization of the Ohio troops, and now they were ready for the field; he had only to transfer the com- mand to Brig. Gen. William Hull, who the President had assigned as the com- mander of the Northwestern Army.
The General and his staff had arrived in Dayton, and were stopping at Mc- Collom's tavern. The busy preparations for the departure of the troops filled the town with life and bustle; officers and attaches were reporting for duty; supplies of ammunition, Quartermaster's and commissary stores were hurried up the road from Cincinnati; a wagon train, with tents, blankets and camp equip- age, came in. Our people were in the midst of the excitement of army life; the narrow roadways were crowded with army wagons, pack-horses, mounted men and couriers, squads and companies drilling. Dayton was a military camp.
The transfer of the command of the army by Gov. Meigs to Gen. Hull was made on the 25th, with all proper ceremony. In the morning the Governor and staff with the General and staff rode to the camp of the First Ohio, the regiment being in line to receive them. After review, addresses were delivered, and the officers returned to the tavern for dinner; after which they mounted and rode down to the camp on the commons, making a careful inspection of arms, accouterments and equipments. The two regiments passed in review and were then formed in close column and addressed by Gov. Meigs as follows:
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FIRST ARMY OF OHIO :
Colleeted suddenly and rapidly from the various parts of the State, you have manifested a zeal worthy the character of a free people. You will soon be completely organized, and I trust that harmony will forever continue. Already you have made considerable advances in discipline ; you will improve ; it will soon become easy, familiar and agreeable. Subor- dination is the soul of discipline ; order, safety and victory are its results. Honor consists in an honorable discharge of duty, whatever may be the rank. Respeet each other according to your stations ; officers, be to your men as parents to children ; men, regard your officers as fathers. You will soon mareh. My heart will always be with you. The prayers of all good eitizens will attend you. By direction of the President of the United States, I have so far organized and marched you ; in his name, I thank you.
I feel a satisfaction in knowing that you are to be placed under the command and guidance of Brigadier General Hull, a distinguished officer of Revolutionary experience, who, being Superintendent of Indian Affairs and Chief Magistrate of the Territory to which you are destined, was happily selected for the service. His influence and authority there will enable him to provide for your convenience.
I pray that each may conduct himself so that when you return to the embrace of your friends and relations, they may be proud to salute you as one who had honorably belonged to the First Army of Ohio. The Second Army is organizing, and will follow, if necessary. Our frontiers must be protected from savage barbarity ; our rights maintained, and cur wrongs avenged.
Go then ! Fear not ! Be strong ! Quit yourselves like men, and may the God of Armics be your shield and buckler.
Gen. Hull then addressed the troops :
PATRIOTIC OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF OHIO :
The manner in which His Excellency, Gov. Meigs, has delivered over to me the command of this part of the army, has excited sensations which I strongly feel, but which it is difficult for me to express. His great exertions, and the talents he has displayed in assembling, organizing. disciplining and preparing in every respect for actual service so respectable a military force, are known to you, and will be fully known to his country ; this knowledge of his conduct will be his highest eulogium. Long may he live, and long may he adorn his elevated station.
The crisis now has arrived when our country has deemed it necessary to call into the field her patriotic sons. The spirit which has been manifested on this occasion is highly honorable to the officers and soldiers who compose this army, and to the section of the Union to which you belong. You have exhibited an example to the older part of the country worthy of imitation. Citizens distinguished for talents and wealth have made a voluntary tender of their services to defend the violated rights of the nation. Such men are entitled to the fair inheritance which was purchased by the valor and blood of their fathers.
323
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
A country with such a defense has nothing to fear ; in any possible exigenee it is e ironed with a bulwark of safety. To offieers and soldiers, who have engaged in the polic serviee with such honorable and patriotic motives, it is unnecessary to urge the Ibortanee of regularity and diseipline, or the necessity of subordination and obedienee to o.ers. The same spirit which induced you voluntarily to engage in the service of your entry, will animate you in the discharge of your duties. With patience you will submit the privations and fatigues ineident to a military life, and if you should be called to meet diger in the field, you will manifest the sineerity of your engagements by the firmness and b very of your eonduet. In marehing through a wilderness, memorable for savage b barity, you will remember the causes by which that barbarity has been heretofore e ited. In viewing the ground, stained with the blood of your fellow-eitizens, it will be ipossible to suppress the feelings of indignation. Passing by the ruins of a fortress, epted in our territory by a foreign nation in times of profound peace, and for the express ppose of exeiting the. savages to hostility, and supplying them with the means of c idueting a barbarous war, must remind you of that system of oppression and injustiee vieh the spirit of an indignant people ean no longer endure.
If it is possible that time should obliterate the remembranee of past transactions, v at will be the impression on the present oeeasion ? The wrongs of the same nation have bn continually aeeumulating, and have at length compelled our country to put on the ahor of safety, and be prepared to avenge the injuries which have been inflieted.
In a few days, you will be joined by a body of troops of the United States Army. Mong them you will have the pleasure of seeing the Fourth Regiment of Infantry, the glant heroes of Tippecanoe. They will aet by your side in the approaching campaign ; al while they will be ambitious to maintain, and, if possible, to increase the glory they bre already acquired, your eonduet will be stimulated by the splendor of their example, a l you will be inspired with ambition to acquire laurels at least as brilliant as those they dervedly wear.
That harmony and friendship may pervade this army, and that glory and fame may send it in all its movements, are wishes in which I am confident you will all heartily join.
The citizens of the town and surrounding country turned out almost en Lisse to witness the display and ceremonies. The narrow roadways of the tmn were crowded with a motley mass of men, women and children, soldiers, rek-horses, army wagons and squads of militia; all interest being centered at cnp, on the little prairie between First and Third streets, just east of St. Clair E,eet.
Early the next morning, May 26, 1812, the three regiments broke camp, f med, with Gen. Hull and staff, in full uniform, at the head of the column, Lurched from town, crossing Mad River at the Staunton road ford, nearly oppo- Ee the head of Webster street. The march continued up the west bank of Id River about three miles, to a prairie in the east half of Section 30. The hops were formed in a hollow square, and, amidst the cheers of troops and jople, the American flag was hoisted in front of Gen. Hull's tent, and the I me of the camp was announced as Camp Meigs, in honor of Ohio's patriotic Overnor. The camp was regularly laid out, and the troops were made more (mfortable in the tents and with the equipage supplied by the Government. more rigid discipline was maintained and the regular duties of camp life be- n. Officers and men were drilled in outpost and guard duty.
To relieve the two companies of the First Regiment, then out scouting, the Overnor issued the following order to Col. Holt and Capt. Van Cleve, then in mp at Adam's Prairie, on Hole's Creek:
HEADQUARTERS, DAYTON, May 26, 1812.
Capt. William Van Cleve's company of riflemen will mareh to the frontier of the jate, west of the Miami, under the direction and charge of Col. Jerome Holt. Col. Holt Il assist the frontier inhabitants in erecting bloek-houses in suitable places, and adopt y mode he may think best for the protection of the frontiers, and the continuance of e settlements.
R. J. MEIGS, Governor of Ohio.
Patrols of militia kept the roads on both sides of the Miami, from Camp eigs to Piqua, clear of Indians. A troop of horse, in command of Col. Sloan, Cincinnati, reported at Camp Meigs on the 27th, and within three or four ys the two companies of the First Regiment returned to camp.
The army was not to be encumbered with artillery in crossing the country
324
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
but were to be supplied at Detroit, where there were a number of siege-gu and batteries of lighter caliber.
At Camp Meigs, everything was in readiness to move; the wagon trai: with baggage and ammunition, were parked, ready to load tents and equipagı pack-horse brigades were all organized to carry provisions and forage.
May 31, the order was issued "to strike tents early in the morning." TI little army of 1,600 men had been armed and equipped for the campaig against the British forces and their Indian allies. A description of the out for officers and men, as they marched from Camp Meigs on that bright Ju morning, seventy years ago, may be interesting.
The General and his staff, the Colonels of regiments and other mounte officers, wore cocked hats with plumes; sabers at their sides and a pair of b horse pistols in the holsters; soldiers were dressed in tow-linen hunting-shir and breeches, low-crowned hat, with cockade or plate worn on the side. T arms were flint-lock muskets, with bayonets, some mounted companies using addition the old, heavy flint-lock horse pistols, that were about fifteen to twe ty inches long. To the waist-belt in a leather pocket, hung the tomahawk, al in a sheath was a butcher knife. On the right hip, attached to a cross bel thrown over the left shoulder, was the cartridge box. In a small sheath on t left side hung the bayonet. They were also supplied with canteens. T knapsack was made of heavy linen, painted and varnished. The blanket w rolled on top and the whole covered with a piece of oil cloth. Clothing, ratic and ammunition, were carried in the knapsacks. Companies were usually di ded into messes of six men each, rations were issued to each mess every eve ing, each man cooking, in the most primitive manner, his provisions for the ne day. The rations were flonr or corn meal, fat bacon, parched corn and sa Cattle were driven along with the supply trains, thus furnishing an occasion issue of fresh beef. Whisky was issued in bad weather, or when extra duty wy required. The flour was made into flapjacks, or, after kneading, was twist around a pole five or six feet long, then this "pole bread " was baked by tu ing before the fire.
Thus organized and equipped for the field, this, the first army of Ob, designated as the Northwestern Army, by the Government, marched from Can Meigs, Monday, June 1, 1812. The whole population of the town and cour gathered at the camp to witness their departure. The Governor and his stl were present, with many strangers from Cincinnati and from over in Kentuc.
The general call was beat at half past 4 o'clock in the morning; tents w struck; baggage, tents and equipments loaded into the wagons; a hasty bre fast and the assembly was sounded. The column was formed as follows: ( alry on the right; next in line was the Second Regiment; then the Third Oh. and on the extreme left marched the First Regiment, followed by the way train and brigades of pack mules. For several miles crowds of people tramj through the fields on either side of the troops, many following all day, a sleeping in camp the first night, and did not return to their homes for a day? two. The road the troops marched out on is now known as the old T pike, but at that time it was simply a country road that led north to the set ments on the Miami River, and was known as the Staunton road. The ar went into camp at Staunton the first evening, a small settlement a mile east Troy. It was the intention of Gen. Hull to march the army up the east bank the Miami, to Fort Loramie, then cross over to the Auglaize, and keep on dot to the rapids of the Maumee. A large number of batteaux and other keel bo had been loaded with flour, corn-meal, pork and corn, here at Dayton, to taken up the river, protected by the troops, but the water was too low, and first day out the boats stranded on the shoals. This caused a change of plas
Jours Truly Colestin Schwind DAYTON
327
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
ad the army was paid off and remained until the 6th in camp at Staunton. It ien marched across to Urbana, where they arrived on the 7th, and camped in he eastern part of the town. Gov. Meigs had left Dayton on the 3d for Ur- ana, to hold a council with twelve Indian chiefs, who had been assembled tere for the purpose; six of them, Cutawepasa, Cutawepa, Piageha, Pitahage, itekishemo and Nasahacothe, were of the Shawnee tribes: five of them, Jahe, hanato, Scutush, Manaham and Dewesen, of the Wyandots, and Mathame, : the Mingoes. To impress the savages with the strength of the army, and of e determination and power of the United States Government to hold the ter- tory ceded by the English Government, in the treaty of 1783, the army at rbana were paraded on the afternoon of June 8, and reviewed by the Gov- nor, attended by the Indian chiefs, several officers of the State, and other ilitary and civil officers.
The Fourth Regiment United States Infantry and several militia compa- es arrived as re-enforcements, increasing the army to 2,500 effective men. A ospital was establised at Urbana, and other arrangements made for that point a base of supplies for the army. The First Regiment was ordered to cut a vad north through the woods to Scioto River, and, in compliance with this or- er, marched from camp on the 11th, and, on the 16th, reached the south bank : the Scioto, twenty-four miles from Urbana, and began building two block- uses, each 20x24 feet, in a low flat piece of woods. The two block-houses were nnected by a strong stockade; another stockade was put up, inclosing a half re of ground surrounding the houses; these fortifications were given the name Fort McArthur. On the 15th the army left Urbana. The general line of arch was through the counties of Logan, Hardin, Hancock and Wood, to te foot of the Maumee Rapids, where they crossed and marched to Fort etroit.
On the evening of the 19th, the army arrived at Fort McArthur, where they imped for three days. The woods were full of hostiles, rendering it neces- try to have a strong rear guard, and to march companies of riflemen on the anks of the army.
June 21, the Second Regiment was detailed to cut the road through to lanchard's Fork of the Auglaize River. For several days it had been raining ntinuously, and, leaving a company as a garrison, the army marched from ort McArthur, on the 22d, into the swamps, and, after marching twelve miles, ot stuck in the mud, and, as a matter of precaution, built a block-house, call- ig it Fort Necessity. These block-house stations were erected to store provis- ns not needed for immediate use, and which could afterward be forwarded nder escort of the militia.
About twenty miles farther on Fort Findlay was built on the high ground n the west side of Blanchard's Fork, where Findlay now stands. It was a ockade of fifty yards square, with block-houses at each of the four corners nd a ditch in front.
With the Third Regiment in the advance, to clear a road, the army began le march through the Black Swamp-a part of it is now known as Hull's Prairie. The distance from Fort Findlay to the rapids is thirty-five miles, and , was a tedious march. The road was badly cut up by the mounted troops, pack- orses and 106 heavily loaded wagons. Thirteen wagons were abandoned in the tud. In many places the men marched knee-deep in mud. Gen. Hull arrived t the Maumee, June 30, and crossed, with his army, in fine health and spirits, nd at once resumed his march to Detroit. To keep open his line of communi- ation, and to protect stores and public property left at the forts and stations, militia were stationed at Dayton, Piqua, Urbana, St. Mary's, Fort McArthur ad Fort Findlay, and a battalion at Fort Greenville.
,G
328
HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
After the departure of the army from Camp Meigs, on Mad River, Gen Munger marched his militia command up from Hole's Creek and occupied th camp. As commander of this post, his duty was to guard all public store here, and keep the roads open as far as Piqua and Urbana. Quartermaster commissary and ordinance stores were forwarded through Dayton to the front
Capt. Perry's company of rangers was constantly scouting through th country between St. Mary's and Fort Wayne, skirmishing with Indian parties and killing all they captured. On the 8th of July, they were ordered to go through to Vincennes. The object of the Governor in holding the militia in camps, in Southern and Western Ohio, and at the posts along the line of com munications to the north, was to be ready to organize a second army in case o emergency. Camp Meigs being a favorable point, quite a considerable forc was assembled here, or held ready to report at short notice. About the middì of June, Mr. Cooper employed the militia who were at Camp Meigs, in diggin. a race from the old mill-race, on First street, to Fifth street. The race wa dug from a point just north of First street and east of Madison, running south west to Second street, and crossing that street about a hundred feet east of th present canal basin, continuing south and parallel to the present course c the canal; just above Fifth street he built a saw-mill that stood there unt. 1847.
Lieut. Gwynne, of the United States Army, opened a recruiting office & one of the Dayton taverns, on the 1st of July, enlisting men for five years' ser! ice, offering $16 bounty, and if the recruit served his time out, or was killed or disabled in the service, he was to receive three months additional pay an get 160 acres of land. Men were also enlisted for eighteen months and re ceived the bounty, but no land. Musicians were hired by the month; boy with the consent of their parents or guardians, were enlisted as musicians.
The Dayton riflemen, stationed at Greenville, with the citizens of that towi celebrated the 4th of July by a parade and big dinner. Army trains and mil tia made too much confusion in this county for any observance of the day.
July 10, Gov. Meigs, who was then at Chillicothe, ordered Gen. Munger ! disband his militia brigade, as it was then thought their services would not } required.
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