USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > Upland > The record of the court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681, And a military journal, kept by Major E. Denny, 1781 to 1795 > Part 22
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amply rewarded. I know that I have the approbation of my commanding officer, and that is enough ; but hope never to be employed in a similar situation with such materials.
7th. - Left head-quarters for the seat of government ; passed through Lexington, the crab orchard and wilder- ness, and after a most inclement ride, arrived at Philadel- phia the 12th December. High water and very bad roads.
PHILADELPHIA, April 1st, 1791. - It was expected when I left head-quarters that I would return across the mountains in time to descend the Ohio with the first spring flood. I frequently pressed for my departure, but was delayed. Congress having added a second regiment to the establishment, and at the close of the session passed a law for raising two thousand levies, or six months men, for another expedition against the Indians. Governor St. Clair appointed major-general, and to con- duct the campaign himself. Captain Beatty, our late pay-master, had spent the winter in the city settling up his accounts. He and myself the only officers of the re- giment at this time in Philadelphia. Beatty ordered to New Brunswick on the recruiting service. He was de- sirous that I should accompany him, and prevailed on the Secretary of War, who rather requested that I would assist in raising the company, after which I am at liber- ty to return to the regiment in any manner I please. Took the stage at three o'clock ; lay by awhile at Prince- ton, and reached Brunswick early next day. Remained here a few days with Beatty and proceeded to New York.
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Made arrangements and commenced recruiting. An ex- cellent sergeant and corporal did the business for me. We were very successful. Recruits sent to New Bruns- wick weekly by the packet. Beatty ordered to march. I repair to New Brunswick ; accompany him to Newton, in Bucks county, file off myself to Philadelphia ; detain- ed there three days; from thence to Carlisle, where I met Beatty, who had been joined by a new raised com- pany from Lancaster, commanded by Captain Doyle.
July 4th .- Spent the 4th of July together.
5th .- The two companies took up their march for Fort Pitt. Stayed with my friends till the 10th.
10th .- I set out and arrived in Fort Pitt on the 15th ; companies arrived a few days after. Found two bat- talions of the levies here ; two other battalions from Vir- ginia had sailed. Several companies of the second regi- ment had also gone on.
PITTSBURGH, August 7th .- Beatty's and Doyle's com- panies embark ; took passage with them, but owing to the very low state of the river, did not reach Fort Washing- ton until the last of the month. Camp formed at Mill creek, three miles out; the artillery only doing duty in the fort. Business obliged me to remain here with Gen- eral Harmar, who had his family in the fort.
FORT WASHINGTON, Sept. 1st. - General St. Clair ap- pears exceedingly impatient at the delay or detention of some of the corps. The quarter-master general, Hodg- den, not yet come on, and General Butler, the second in command, is also back. Preparations for the campaign very backward. General Harmar seems determined to
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quit the service; has positively refused going on the campaign, and takes no command.
7th .- General Butler, and Hodgden, the quarter-mas- ter general, with Captain Newman's company of the sec- ond regiment, arrive. General Harmar solicits a court of inquiry to examine into his conduct on the last cam- paign. The court is ordered - General Richard Butler the president. Several days spent in examining the testimony. The court make a report to the commander- in-chief, highly honorable to General Harmar. It was impossible for me not to be affected by the determination of General Harmar. I knew that he only waited for the march of the army, when he would ascend the river with his family and retire to civil life. My secret wish was to accompany him ; he discovered it, and informed me that he would apply for an officer's command to escort and work his boat to Pittsburgh, and had no doubt but that General St. Clair, upon being asked, would order me on that service. I made the request in writing. Was answered that it could not be granted. I stayed with General Harmar and his family until the last moment. He conversed frequently and freely with a few of his friends on the probable result of the campaign-predict- ed a defeat. He suspected a disposition in me to resign ; discouraged the idea. "You must," said he, " go on the campaign ; some will escape, and you may be among the number."
26th .- Left Fort Washington and proceeded to join my regiment. Arrived at the army next day. Found a pleasant encampment twenty - three miles from Fort
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Washington, on the Great Miami. The principal part of the troops have been at this place since the 15th, building a stockade fort with four bastions. Barracks to accommodate one hundred men.
29th .- Commenced my duty as adjutant, Major Ham- tramck the commanding officer of the regiment. We are informed that upward of one hundred horses have been stolen, supposed by the enemy, from the vicinity of Fort Washington, some of them cut from their fasten- ings under the walls of the fort.
30th. - Appointed aid-de-camp to the commander-in- chief. With much difficulty finished and handed in a set of monthly returns.
Oct. 1st .- Joined the General's family, found to consist of Colonel Sargent, the adjutant-general, Count Malartie, a young Frenchman from Gallipolis, in character of volunteer aid, and the General.
2d .- Accompany commander-in-chief to Fort Wash- ington. Three hundred militia had just reached that place from Kentucky.
3d .- A number of the militia are reported to have de- serted already.
4th .- A sergeant and nine of the militia deserted last night.
5th. - An officer from the army arrives in pursuit of deserters. A sergeant and twenty-five deserted on the night of the 3d.
6th .- After some difficulty in getting the militia equip- ped, they march to join the army. Public dispatches forwarded to seat of government by way of Lexington.
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7th .- Set out about nine o'clock ; arrive at Fort Ham- ilton in the afternoon. The army had marched on the 4th.
8th .- We cross the Miami twenty-five miles from Fort Washington, and follow the army; their course north sixteen degrees. Passed four encampments and the militia on their march. Joined in the evening as troops were encamping. Distance from Fort Washington forty- four and one-fourth miles. The army is five days from Fort Hamilton, at the fording of the Miami, to this place (not four miles a day).
9th .- The army marched this morning at ten o'clock, and encamped about three ; gained only five miles. The country, thus far from the Miami, level, rich and exceed- ingly well watered with small branches.
10th. - Army in motion at eight o'clock. Country more flat. Crossed a number of small rivulets running east. Timber chiefly beech. Gained about eight miles and encamped at four o'clock. The horses had been all tied up last night, which enabled an early start this morning.
11th .- Ten o'clock this morning before the troops took up the line of march. Horses missing, which occasioned the delay. About twelve arrived at a pretty little creek running west, supposed to be a branch of White river. Fresh trails of Indians discovered. Two o'clock came directly upon an extensive wet prairie; army obliged to halt and encamp. Marched this day not more than six miles. Country very level, well watered and timbered.
12th .- This morning spent in searching the prairie and examining for a passage across. General Butler with a
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party set out early toward the east; myself, with a cap- tain and fifty riflemen, to examine westerly. After pro- ceeding about three miles we made out to cross the prairie, but with difficulty got my horse through. From this place we had a view for several miles west; the prairie rather appearing to increase. On the north side came upon a deep beaten Indian path, which we followed about two miles, turned and recrossed the prairie, exam- ined further, could find no place possible for the army to cross without bridging at least three hundred yards. General Butler's report favorable. He found a pretty good way by going three miles round. Twelve o'clock the army marched, altering their course to north-east thirty-five degrees. Passed several small prairies, all of them swampy. Fell in with an Indian path, leading through and avoiding the wet land. March this day five and one-half miles over excellent country, watered with pretty, small runs winding about in every direction.
13th .- The General, with a few attendants, reconnoitres the country. Makes choice of ground to erect another fort for purpose of a deposit. The army moved about one o'clock, one mile, near to this ground and encamped.
14th .- Two hundred men employed, under direction of Major Ferguson, at the new fort. It is to be a square work, curtains thirty-five yards ; regular bastions in each angle. The whole raised with logs laid horizontally ; the face of the curtains forming the rear of the barracks.
15th .- Cold and wet. Heavy rain last night and con- tinues all the day.
16th .- Rain all last night. Express from Fort Wash-
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ington with information of the mountain leader and twenty Indians of the Chickasaw nation on their way from Fort Washington, and also of sixty horse loads of flour.
17th. - The new fort goes on but slowly. Weather very bad; constant rain night and day. A rifleman of the militia, a few miles from camp with leave to hunt, fired upon by a single Indian and wounded through the hip, but made his escape into camp. Men desert; four of the first regiment went off since our arrival here.
18th. - A continuation of wet, disagreeable weather. The army would have been without bread after to-day, had not a small supply of forty-eight horse loads arrived.
19th. - All the horses of the army, quarter-master's as well as contractors, sent back for a supply of flour. Un- pardonable mismanagement in the provision department. Troops put on half allowance of flour. Colonel Oldham, commanding officer of militia, directed to furnish an es- cort to go back with the horses. His men declare if they are sent on that duty they will not return. Falconer's company of levies escort the horses back.
20th .- The time for which the levies were enlisted be- gins to expire. Ten were discharged this morning ; sev- eral a few days ago. The levies from Virginia claim their discharge. All of Captain Hanah's company from Alexandria, discharged. An express this day from Fort Washington. Captain Buel's company of the second regiment had arrived there from the eastward.
21st .- Very severe frost last night ; ice upon the waters near a half inch thick. The food of our horses and cat-
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tle had been injured by slight frosts as early as the 4th. A strong guard escort the cattle and horses to the best pasture, and every afternoon one-half the army off duty turn out and bring grass from the prairie to serve them over night.
22d. - For want of sufficiency of flour, the General has been under the necessity of keeping the troops upon half a pound of that article daily, but the ration is made up of beef. This, however, would not satisfy militia ; twenty of them deserted last night, and some more this morning. An officer near Lexington, who joined us this day with about sixty men, happened to meet those who went off this morning, and brought them back. He in- formed us that a number of the militia who had deserted from Fort Washington, and on the march, had been ap- prehended in Kentucky and were confined in the jails. Two brigades of horses loaded with flour arrived this day, estimated at one thousand eight hundred pounds; also a small drove of cattle. The quarter-master general is ordered to Fort Washington to make some more cer- tain arrangement with regard to supplies of provisions- the contractor not to be depended on.
23d. - Two artillery men attempted to desert to the enemy, were taken, tried and sentenced to suffer death; were hanged along with one of the levies for shooting his comrade. The country for ten miles round has been well explored. Many large wet prairies, especially to the west. Upland thin, covered chiefly with white oak. Fine springs which feed the prairies. Any quantity of meadow ground-natural meadow.
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24th. - The army took up their line of march about nine o'clock. Pursued the old Indian path leading north through a fine open woods. The soil and timber of a superior quality. Gained six miles and encamped along the bank of a handsome creek running east; a large prairie on our left.1 A captain's command left at the new fort, called Fort Jefferson, with all the men unable to march. The commander-in-chief has been unwell for some time past, but to-day scarcely able to accompany the army.
25th. - Rain almost all last night. Troops continued encamped.
26th. - Remain encamped. A party of fifty militia sent to reconnoitre the country north-west, fell in with five of the enemy about fifteen miles from camp, but owing to mismanagement, the Indians made their escape, leaving behind in their camp, blankets, tomahawks, paint, &c., to the value of twenty-two dollars. An ex- press from the quarter-master general, respecting provi- sions. The commander-in-chief very ill.
27th. - The army wait for a supply of flour to enable them to proceed. The last pound served out this day, and should none arrive, on to-morrow the men will be without bread. Much dissatisfaction among the militia and levies; the latter claim their discharge; say they have served longer than the term for which they have enlisted. The enlistments are indeed somewhat extraor- dinary; they specify six months after assembling at the rendezvous on the frontier, but there has been no uni-
1 This camp called afterward by Wayne, "Greenville."
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formity observed; some corps have inserted Winchester, some Fort Pitt, and others Fort Washington, but the bulk of the men say and declare that they engaged to serve but for six months from the date of their enlist- ment. These circumstances have been made a cause of complaint to the General, who has had much trouble. Piamingo and nineteen Chickasaws join the camp. The season so far advanced it will be impracticable to con- tinue the campaign. Forage entirely destroyed ; horses failing and cannot be kept up; provisions from hand to mouth. A party of men engaged in throwing a bridge over the creek in front of the camp. Some hail and snow to-day.
28th. - Seventy-four horses loaded with flour arrive ; about twelve thousand pounds. This supply will afford four days' allowance to the army. A few horses came loaded with clothing for the first regiment, the officers of which were directed to fill up their companies, if possible, from the levies. The new clothing has a good effect ; near forty have already enlisted. Two privates of Ma- jor Butler's battalion were fired upon about three miles from camp, one of them killed, the other wounded, but made his escape to camp. Two of the militia some miles out, were pursued by four Indians ; one only got in, it is supposed the other is a prisoner, as the savages endeav- ored to catch him when they might have shot with cer- tainty. In the general orders of this day the troops di- rected to be under arms at the first tap of the drum, which is to be given at daylight, and to continue paraded until dismissed.
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29th .- One of the sentries which form the chain round the encampment, alarmed the troops last night about nine o'clock, and put them all under arms. He imag- ined that he saw an Indian, and fired three times at some object. The first and second regiment of regulars com- pose about one-third the army, and although chiefly re- cruits, are tolerably well disciplined, but the remainder (excepting the few militia,) being levies and raised but for six months, and their times expiring daily, they take great liberties. This morning there was a constant firing kept up round the camp, notwithstanding it is known there is a general order against it; in fact, at present they are more troublesome and far inferior to the militia. A bridge thrown across the creek. One hun- dred and twenty men, properly officered, were ordered forward to open the road for the army. Two hundred militia go as a covering party. Piamingo and his nine- teen warriors, accompanied by Captain Sparks of the levies, with four riflemen, set out on a scout ; their object to take a prisoner. The battalion of levies from the territory south-east of the Ohio being so small, it was blended with the one from Virginia. Supernumerary officers went home. Three days flour issued to the troops in order that horses may be had to carry the baggage; most of the baggage horses having been sent with the quarter-master general for provisions.
30th .- The army took up the line of march about nine o'clock, crossed the creek upon the bridge, and left a very handsome encampment. The creek which runs along in front of this ground, twenty-five yards wide, is said to
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be a principal branch of the Miami. Gained seven miles this day; course north-west twenty-five degrees. The soil and timber of a superior quality. The General has been so very ill since we left Fort Jefferson, that it was supposed he would not be able to proceed.
31st .- A very unpleasant camp in the woods ; soil rich and timber thick and heavy. Last evening had a gust with severe lightning and thunder; directly after night the wind rose and blew violently until daybreak. The trees and limbs falling around and in the midst of us, with the darkness of the night and in an enemy's coun- try, occasioned some concern. About twelve o'clock at night, for the first time, at the request of the General, I visited all the guards.
Army continued encamped, waiting for several brig- ades of pack horses loaded with flour, which had reached Fort Jefferson last night. The troops are supplied for to-day and to-morrow, and the contractor has enough for one other day; but should we move, the supply behind would be too late or lost; besides it was found yesterday that the horses with the army were not sufficient to carry the baggage, part of which had to be left on the road. The tents and other baggage sent back for and brought up. Militia show great impatience; their officers appear to have little influence. One-third turn out with a determination to go back, a few are prevailed on to stay ; between sixty and seventy, however, march off in despite of everything, and swear they will stop the pack horses with provisions. The first regiment dispatched after them, not with an expectation of bringing them back, but with that idea and
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to prevent future desertions, and principally to protect the convoys. This evening two hundred and twelve horses, loaded with flour, arrived; one hundred and fifty pounds the average weight.
Nov. 1st .- The army remain encamped. A party ad- vanced to open the road. Prepare for marching to-mor- row. A deposit made here of heavy articles and such as could be dispensed with, to lighten the horses.
2d .- The army marched at nine o'clock ; about twelve o'clock crossed a creek fifteen yards wide, running east. The country very flat and marshy. Joined this after- noon by another Indian path much frequented. Gained eight miles and encamped. Course north twenty-five degrees east this day, and total distance from Fort Washington eighty-nine miles. A scout sent out yes- terday fell in with an Indian camp, got some plunder and seven horses branded United States, supposed to have been stolen from Fort Washington. We had a light snow all this day.
3d. - Marched at nine o'clock. The first four miles very flat and wet. About twelve passed over dry ground and descended gradually for three miles to a small creek, supposed to be a branch of the waters emptying into Lake Erie ; proceeded two miles farther, and encamped on pleasant dry ground, on bank of a creek about twen- ty yards wide, said to be the Pickaway fork of the Omee.1 Distance this day about nine miles ; general course north- west thirty degrees. Fresh signs of the savages appeared to-day in several places ; parties of riflemen detached
1 Known since to be a branch of the Wabash.
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after them, but without success. It was later than usual when the army reached the ground this evening, and the men much fatigued prevented the General from having some works of defense immediately erected. Major Fer- guson, commanding officer of artillery, sent for, and a plan agreed on intended to be commenced early on to- morrow. The high dry ground barely sufficient to en- camp the army ; lines rather contracted. Parallel with the front line runs the creek, about twenty yards wide. On both flanks low wet ground, and along most part of the rear. Militia advanced across the creek about three hundred yards. Had accompanied the quarter-master in the afternoon, on to this ground; it was farther than could have been wished, but no place short of it appeared so suitable. I was much pleased with it; returned and made report; found the army halted and about to en- camp on flat land, and with no good water; although it was late, the march was continued till just dark, when we reached the creek.
4th. - Camp on a creek twenty yards wide, supposed to be the Pickaway fork of the Omee, ninety-eight miles from Fort Washington. The frequent firing of the sentinels through the night had disturbed the camp, and excited some concern among the officers. The guards had reported the Indians to lie skulking about in con- siderable numbers. About ten o'clock at night General Butler, who commanded the right wing, was desired to send out an intelligent officer and party to make dis- coveries. Captain Slough, with two subalterns and thirty men, I saw parade at General Butler's tent for this pur-
Face page 165
WABASH
M. Guard
THE
4 0
BRANCH
300 yards
Militia
EASTERN
M.Guard
Fi graved at M.Butlera estabhanment 24, he mmt,
D
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after them, but without success. It was later than usual when the army reached the ground this evening, and the men much fatigued prevented the General from having some works of defense immediately erected. Major Fer- guson, commanding officer of artillery, sent for, and a plan agreed on intended to be commenced early on to- morrow. The high dry ground barely sufficient to en- camp the army ; lines rather contracted. Parallel with the front line runs the creek, about twenty yards wide. On both flanks low wet ground, and along most part of the rear. Militia advanced across the creek about three hundred yards. Had accompanied the quarter-master in the afternoon, on to this ground; it was farther than could have been wished, but no place short of it appeared so suitable. I was much pleased with it; returned and made report; found the army halted and about to en- camp on flat land, and with no good water; although it was late, the march was continued till just dark, when we reached the creek.
4th. - Camp on a creek twenty yards wide, supposed to be the Pickaway fork of the Omee, ninety-eight miles from Fort Washington. The frequent firing of the sentinels through the night had disturbed the camp, and excited some concern among the officers. The guards had reported the Indians to lie skulking about in con- siderable numbers. About ten o'clock at night General Butler, who commanded the right wing, was desired to send out an intelligent officer and party to make dis- coveries. Captain Slough, with two subalterns and thirty men, I saw parade at General Butler's tent for this pur-
NOVI
Fare page 165
VIEW OF THE ENCAMPMENT
AND BATTLE GROUND On the 4thof November, 1791.
Ensign Mart x
WABASH
M.Guard
Horse
Bedenger
Butler
30yards
Mibilu
350 yards
Gaither
Clark
EASTERN
2ยช Reg.
Horse
Patterson
Riflemen.
Ensign Cobb
Ensign Purdy
Riflenjen.
Cup. Newman
ROAD
Ensign Turner
RETREA
INDIAN PATH
ROTTE
OF
Cap: Hannah
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pose, and heard the General give Captain Slough very particular verbal orders how to proceed. Myself and two or three officers staid with the General until late, when I returned to the commander-in-chief, whose tent was at some distance on the left, and who was unable to be up.
The troops paraded this morning at the usual time, - and had been dismissed from the lines but a few min- utes, the sun not yet up, when the woods in front rung with the yells and fire of the savages. The poor militia, who were but three hundred yards in front, had scarcely time to return a shot-they fled into our camp. The troops were under arms in an instant, and a smart fire from the front line met the enemy. It was but a few minutes, however, until the men were engaged in every quarter. The enemy from the front filed off to the right and left, and completely surrounded the camp, killed and cut off nearly all the guards, and approached close to the lines. They advanced from one tree, log, or stump to another, under cover of the smoke of our fire. The artillery and musketry made a tremendous noise, but did little execution. The Indians seemed to brave everything, and when fairly fixed around us they made no noise other than their fire, which they kept up very constant and which seldom failed to tell, although scarce- ly heard. Our left flank, probably from the nature of the ground, gave way first; the enemy got possession of that part of the encampment, but it being pretty clear ground, they were too much exposed and were soon re- pulsed. Was at this time with the General engaged to- ,
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