184 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. CHAPTER II. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) THE MOUND BUILDERS -WYANDOT AND OTHER INDIAN TRIBES-THE BORDER WARS-CRAW FORD'S CAMPAIGN AGAINST SANDUSKY-PERSONAL ADVENTURE-JOHN ROSE. " Lo: the poor Indian, whose untutored mind, Sees God in clouds and hears Him in the wind." The lack of mounds and other evidence the of the presence of a semi-barbarous race in Crawford County, before the Indian first lighted his camp-fires on the prairie, or in forest of the Western Continent. has led archaeologists and antiquarians to the conclusion that the county was a portion of the neutral ground which separated the hosts of two more hostile nations of Mound Builders. That a strange and partially uncivilized people resided throughout all the country, in time which ante-date the Indian's occupancy of the soil, is established by conclusive evidence, and from the denial of the Indian races, of the having had any participation in the erection of the approximate 10,000 mounds scattered throughout the continent. In several places in Crawford County, the early settlers found obscure and imperfect artificial earth enbankments, which in all probability, were thrown up by the Indians and not the Mound Builders. One of these is located on Broken Sword Creek, in Holmes Township, although nothing now remains but an irregular and barerly noticeable ridge. If the county was between two opposing tribes at war, it was. undoubtedly, the scene of frequent battles, where the fate of primitive nations was decided. The soil gives no word of encouragement to such a thought, which is purely speculative. The mounds and their contents, however speak plainly as to the characteristics of this strange people, although nothing is suggested to lead the mind to a of knowledge of their origin or final destiny. Some authorities have suggested that the Mound Builders ultimately deteriorated into HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 185 the ancestors of the Indian races: but the majority of intelligent writers on the subject discourage such a view, and present facts going to show that an interval of many centuries elapsed after the disappearance of the Mound Builders and before the appearance of tile Indian. There is no evidence showing that the Mound Builders ever had a written language; and the only testimony of their presence and attainments is found in the various mounds. which are fast disappearing before the march of time, the infinite iconoclast. From their works must be derived the solution of their history, habits customs, their mode of life and degree of civilization, their knowledge of the arts of peace and war, and their ultimate fate, whether by extinction through war, famine or pestilence, or whether they became the ancestors of the succeeding Indian races. Although Crawford County contains no mounds, or other works of the Mound Builders, yet since research has thrown so much light upon their lives and customs and aroused so much interest among, scientists, a brief statement will be given of the progress that has been made in this branch of archeological research. The mounds have been divided into mounds proper, effigies and inclosures. Mounds proper are subdivided into sepulchral, temple, sacrificial, memorial and observatory. Effigies are divided into animal, emblematic and symbolical inclosures are military, covered or sacred.* The most of the above works were constructed of earth, a few of stone, and a fewer still of earth and stone combined. Sepulchral mounds are usually conical and some of them are seventy feet in height. They are more numerous than any other kind, and, beyond doubt, were used as memorials over the dead. Within these mounds, implements and ornaments are often found, supposed to have been placed there when the individual was buried, for use in the Spirit Land. Ashes and charcoal * Isaac Smucker, in Ohio Statistics. are often found in proximity to the skeleton under conditions which render it probable that fires were used in the burial ceremony. With the skeletons are often found specimens of mica, pottery, bone and copper beads and bones. The skeletons found in each mound are usually limited in number, although a. mound in Licking County contained fifteen, and one in Hardin County contained three hundred. Colonel Whittlesey and others entertain the opinion, however, that the skeletons belonged to the Indians, who had used the mounds for burial purpose. Temple mounds are few in number, and are ordinarily circular. They are invariably truncated, and are often surrounded with embankments, inclined planes, or spiral pathways or steps, leading to the summit. It is supposed that these elevations were surmounted with wooden temples all traces of which have been removed by the ravages of time. These mounds and the buildings at their summits are thought to have been erected for religious purposes. Sacrificial mounds are ordinarily stratified, with convex layers of clay and loam above a stratum of sand. They contain ashes, charcoal, igneous stones, calcined animal bones, beads, stone implements, pottery and specimens of rude sculpture. Altars of igneous clay or stone are often found. Evidences of fire upon the altars yet remain, showing that various animals and probably human beings were immolated to secure the favor of the Great Spirit. These mounds infrequently contain skeletons, together with implements of war; mica from the Alleghanies; shells from the Gulf of Mexico: obsidian of different colors, red, purple and green varieties of porphyry, and silver, copper and other metallic ornaments and utensil. Mounds of observation were apparently designed for alarm-towers or signal stations. Some writers have fancied that they "occur in chains, or regular systems, and that many of them still bear traces of the beacon fires that were once burning upon them." They are often 186 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. found built like towers from the summits of embankments surrounding inclosures. One of the latter, in Licking County, has a height of twenty-five feet. "Along the Miami River," says Judge Force, "are dotted small mounds or projecting highlands, which seems to have been built to carry intelligence by signals along the valley." Memorial mounds are of that class of tumuli intended to commemorate some important event, or to perpetuate the memory of some distinguished character. Most of the stone mounds belong to this class, and usually contain no bones, for the supposed reason that the mounds were erected to perpetuate great events, and not to be used as sepulchers. They are thought to be coincident in design with the Bunker Hill Monument, and with the beautiful marble column on the field of Gettysburg. Effigies are elevations of earth in the form of men, beasts, birds, reptiles, and, occasionally, of inanimate objects, varying in height from one foot to six feet above the surrounding surface, and often covering many acres of land. Mr. Schoolcraft expresses the belief that this class of mounds was designed for "totems " or tribular symbols; while Prof. Daniel Wilson and other writers of distinction entertain the opinion that they were erected in accordance with the religious belief of the various tribes of Mound Builders who worshiped, or in some way venerated, the animals or objects represented by the elevations. A large mound near Newark represents a bird of enormous size, with its wings outspread, in the act of flight. Its length is about 200 feet. An excavation in this effigy disclosed a clay and stone altar, upon which were evidences of fire together with ashes and charcoal. The surroundings indicated that the altar had been used for sacrificial offerings. Another mound near Newark represents a huge alligator having a total length of 200 feet. Prof. Daniel Wilson believes that it "symbolizes some object of special awe and veneration, thus reared on one of the chief 'high places' of the nation, with its accompanying altar, upon which these ancient people of the valley could witness the celebration of the rites of their worship, its site having been obviously selected as the most prominent feature in a populous district, abounding with military, civic and religious structures." The most remarkable mound in Ohio is in Adams County. Its form is that of an enormous serpent, more than a thousand feet in length, with body in graceful, anfractuous folds, and tail ending in triple coils. The greatest width of the body is thirty feet, and the effigy is elevated about five feet above the surrounding soil. "The neck of the figure." says the American Cyclopeadia. "is stretched out and slightly curved. and the mouth is opened wide, as if in the act of swallowing or ejecting an oval figure, which rests partly within the distended jaws. The combined figure has been regarded by some as a representation of the oriental cosmological idea of the serpent and the egg." Defensive inclosures are irregular in form and are always on high around. in positions difficult to approach by a savage foe. "The walls." says the American Cyclopoedia, " generally wind around the borders of the elevations they occupy, and when the nature of the ground renders some points more accessible than others, the height of the wall and the depth of the ditch at those weak points are proportionally increased. The gateways are narrow and few in number, and well guarded by embankments of earth, placed a few yards inside of the openings or grateways, and parallel with them and projecting somewhat beyond them at each end, thus fully covering the entrances which, in some cases, are still further protected by projecting walls on either side of them. These works are somewhat numerous, and indicate a clear appreciation of the elements, at least of fortification, and unmistakably point out the purpose for which they were constructed. A large number of these defensive works consist of a line of HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 187 ditches and embankments, or several lines carried across the neck of peninsulas or bluff headlands, formed within the bends of streams -an easy and obvious mode of fortification, common to all rude peoples." Many defensive mounds are found in Ohio, and the most noticeable one is in Warren County. The embankments are nearly four miles in length, varying in height from ten to twenty feet, to accord with the locality to be protected, and inclose several hundred acres. Covered ways, or parallel walls, are often found, either connecting different inclosures, or portions of the same. They were undoubtedly designed to protect those passing back and forth within. There are large numbers of sacred inclosures of almost every conceivable shape, and many of them were designed with surprising geometrical accuracy. Some archaeologists maintain that many of the so-called sacred inclosures were intended and used for national games and celebrations, and it is probable that those without the altar were used as such. The mounds and their contents afford abundant opportunity to speculate as to the character and customs of the ancient people, of whom nothing is left save their crumbling habitations. They were unknown to the Indians, whose traditions reveal nothing of the Mound Builders' history, which will forever remain unwritten and unknown. They were a numerous people. as is clearly proved by the magnitude and elaboration of their works. They were unquestionably subservient to rulers, or superiors, who had power to enforce the erection of gigantic structures, which, considering the semi-barbarous condition of the people, their lack of suitable implements of labor. and their imperfect and insufficient knowledge of mechanical principles are surprisingly vast in extent and ingenious in design. Their works indicate that the people were war-like ; that they were familiar with many mathematical and mechanical rules: that they were religious and probably idolatrous, as the effigies and sacred structures imply; that they were skilled in the manufacture of bone and metallic ornaments and pottery; that they had attained no little degree of perfection in the working of metals; and that they were essentially homogeneous in customs, pursuits, religion and government. They were unquestionably well advanced in many of the arts of civilization. They of necessity were an agricultural people, being too numerous to live by the chase alone. Superstitious and uninformed, they ofered burnt and other sacrifices and oblations to both good and bad spirits. Dr. Foster said that they worshiped the elements, such as fire, air and water-that they worshiped the sun, moon and stars, and offered human sacrifices to the gods they worshiped. Their origin and ultimate fate are enveloped in obscurity. It is thought by many intelligent writers that they were the progenitors of the Aztecs and Peruvians, found upon the shores of the New World when first visited by white men from Europe. It is thought that they were members of the same great family. However, authorities are widely at variance in their opinions regarding the origin of this strange people. But little can ever be known of their history; yet throughout all the future, the civilized world will look with awe upon the decaying remnants of their works, and weave the bright fabric of romance about their mysterious lives. When the Indian first appeared upon the Western Continent is unknown; and his origin, like that of the Mound Builder, lies largely within tile province of speculation. When Europeans first came to the country, the Indians were found in possession of the soil and their rude camp fires were burning on every stream. The most of their villages were temporary, depending for location upon the prevalence of game. upon which the people largely subsisted. Sometimes their towns remained unchanged for scores of years, becoming popu- 188 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. lous and opulent. During the latter half of the last century, or about the time of Col. Bouquet's expedition to their towns in Ohio, among others there were found the following tribes of Indians living in what afterward became the State of Ohio: The Wyandots (called Hurons by the French), the Delawares and Shawanese (both of the Algonquin group), the Miamis (also called Twigtwees), the Mingoes (a branch of the Iroquois or Six Nations), and the Ottawas and Chippewas. The Wyandots occupied the country in the vicinity of the Sandusky River. The Delawares were established on the Muskingum and Tuscarawas Rivers, and a few other places. The Shawanese were chiefly found on the Scioto and Mad Rivers, and at few outer points. The Miamis were on the Great and Little Miami Rivers. The Mingoes were in great force at Mingo Bottom, on the Ohio River, and at several other points in Ohio. The Ottawas occupied the valleys of the Maumee and Sandusky Rivers, and the Chippewas, few in number, were confined to the southern shore of Lake Erie. By the provisions of the treaty at Fort McIntosh in 1785, the Ottawas, Wyandots and Dela wares were assigned territory in Northern Ohio, west of the Cuyahoga River. The Wyandots, as indicated by the idiom and other characteristics of their language were related to the Iroquois or Six Nations, but about the middle of the seventeenth century, they embraced the religious faith of the Roman Catholics, and for some reason unknown severed their connection with their relatives the Iroquois, and cast their lot with the power full Algonquins.* Their original residence was in Canada, some authorities fixing their location on Georgian Bay, and others, as Mr Schoolcraft, on Montreal Island. Their numbers is estimated to have been about 40,000 souls. Some time after this they became involved in a war with the Iroquois, by whom they were nearly exterminated, after which *American Cyclopedia. they removed first to Charity Island and afterward to Quebec. They were found south of the Great Lakes in 1660, by some French trailers and ten years later having become involved in a war with the powerful Sioux, they removed to Michilimackinac, and were accompanied by Father Marquette. Afterward they established themselves at Detroit, their hunting-grounds extending into Northern Ohio. Remnants of the tribe were yet in Canada, while that at Detroit, in 1778, was estimated to contain about 180 warriors. In 1829, a small band of the tribe was located in Michigan. They numbered about forty and were provided with annuities by the Government. Immediately after the War of 1812, the principal portion of the Wyandots, numbering about 600, was established on the Sandusky River on a tract of land eighteen miles long east and west, and twelve miles wide. In 1835, the Wyandots decided to sell a strip of land five miles wide, on the eastern border of their Reservation and the land was accordingly thrown into market very likely through the influence of the whites, who coveted the possessions of the Indian. In 1843, the Wyandots were transferred to Kansas, where they have since resided, and the land of their Reservation was annexed to the adjoining counties. When the white settlers first came to the county, and for many years afterward, the Wyandot Indians were established on their Reservation, which, until 1835, included a portion of Crawford County. Each year the Indians were the recipients of an annuity of $10 per capita, paid to them by the agent of the Government located at their Reservation. The white settlers invaded the lands of the Wyandots to trade and converse with them, and to learn more of their habits. The Indians, in return, mingled freely with the whites at their settlements, buying ammunition, tobacco, ornaments, etc., and disposing of valuable furs and other products of the chase. The Indians PAGE 189 - PICTURE OF J. A. GORMLY PAGE 190 BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 191 traded largely at Bucyrus; but their usual dealing with the settlers was carried on in their villages, or at the store in their Reservation, where their creditors came to adjust their accounts and where avaricious and unscrupulous men came to obtain by artifice or imposture, the annuity paid the natives by the Government. Each Indian came forward with his family and the money belonging to him was counted out placed upon the counter by the agent, and was conveyed to the buckskin pouch of the Indian, or quite often was turned over by the agent, at the Indian's suggestion, to the settler who held an unsettled claim aganst the Indian, and who was aware of the importance of being present when the agent distributed the annuities, if he desired a speedy settlement. White hunters and trappers invaded the Reservation without authority, killing and trapping large numbers of valuable animals. The Indians also roamed far and wide over the country adjoining their lands, in small detachments, locating temporarily where hunting and traping were good, and changing their camps as game became scarce or failed altogether. Mills were built on the streams in the Reservation; blacksmith and carpenter shops were erected, trading posts were established. and the various Christian denominations in surrounding settlements sent ministers to preach to the Indians. Among the ministers who labored faithfully in the Reservation, were Revs. Daniel and James Hooker, Russell Bigelow, H. O. Sheldon, Mr. Finley, Mr. Thompson and Mr Wheeler, all of whom were Methodists. Notwithstanding the cessation of war and the permanent establishment of peace between the Wyandots and the settlers, all the war-like customs were still retained by the Indians, who were unable and unwilling to forget so soon the time-honored ceremonies of their tribe. War and scalp dances were held annually at their villages of Sandusky, Pipe Town and Broken Sword, the latter being situated about a mile west of the present village of Nevada, Wyandot County, the location afterward falling within the boundaries of Crawford County. Here the settlers often assembled, sometimes to participate in the wild ceremonies; but more frequently to look on the strange pantomimes with increasing and thrilling interest. Large fires were built, and the savages, armed and painted as if for the war-path, surrounded them in circles, and then with a wild, monotonous song accompaniment, they began their dance around the fire, springing up and down, first on one foot and then on the other, chanting in the meantime a gutteral "he, he, he; haw, haw, haw ! " which signified "me big Indian!" interspersing the song with wild whoops, made to quaver at first by the motion of the hand on the lips, but ending with a clearness and force that made the forest ring. Their annuities were largely spent for "cockhoosy " or "Sandusky water;" and, when under its influence, the savage nature was predominant and asserted itself in frequent brawls and fights. The chiefs were elected by a vote of the tribe, the qualifications for that high office being honor, courage, and achievements in the chase and on the war-path. Some of the Indians were remarkable for strength and endurance, though they met their match in many of the white hunters. Their intercourse with the settlers was freely continued until they were removed by the Government to Kansas. There are many interesting incidents and circumstances connected with the Wyandot Indians which occurred long before the settlers arrived, and which have never been made public save in miscellaneous newspaper articles. A few of these will be narrated. The facts from which they are derived were disclosed by Judge G. W. Leith, of Nevada, Ohio, whose grandfather, John Leith, was for twenty-nine years, beginning, in 1763, a captive and a trader among the Wyandots. John Leith, when a boy of about sixteen, was employed by an ex- 192 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. perienced trader to go into the Indian country to traffic with the natives. They built a rude store in an Indian village, where Lancaster, Ohio, now stands, and began trading cloth, ammunition, firearms and ornaments for furs of all kinds. After a time, Leith was left in charge of the store while his employer returned to Fort Pitt with a cargo of furs. While he was gone, an Indian war broke out all along the border settlements, and the Indians, fearing the destruction of their village, made immediate preparations to retire farther into the wilderness. Young Leith was summoned before Capt. Pipe, the chief of the tribe, who savagely informed him that his people were marching into the Indians' country, destroying and laying waste their villages and crops, and murdering their families. The boy was told to stand up, which he did, expecting to be instantly tomahawked, but he was told that he must either become a member of the tribe or be put to death. The ceremony of adoption was gone through with, greatly to the boy's relief, and the Indians bestowed upon him the name " John Tit." He went West with the tribe, and, several years afterward, the Indians having become the allies of the British, he was employed by the latter to open a store at Sandusky and trade with the Indians. Here he remained throughout the Revolution and the bloody Indian wars which followed it, a powerless and horrified spectator of the cruelty and fiendish atrocity of the Indian tribes. Here he became acquainted with and often met the notorious outlaws Matthew Elliott, Alexander McKee and the three brothers, Simon, George and James Girty. His store became the headquarters where these noted renegades came for supplies of various kinds, and where they assembled both before and after their bloody raids on the defenseless settlements. He married a captive white girl, named Sally Lowry, under romantic circumstances, and, finally, in 1791, after having waited anxiously for many years, he succeeded in escaping with his wife and two children to the white settlements, closely pursued by the infuriated Indians. Soon after his store was established at Sandusky, he saw for the first time a white man run the gauntlet. The following is a narrative of that event, written by his biographer and grandson, Judge Leith: "One fine day in early summer, a band of warriors came in from the south with a captive, a powerful young Virginian. He had been overpowered and captured in a hand-to-hand struggle. I saw him stripped for the race, and thought him as fine a specimen of a man as I ever saw. His action was unimpaired. the only wound perceivable being a long gash on the fleshy part of his thigh, which, although considerably swelled, did not impede his motion. He was stripped naked and painted black for the race at my store. Two lines of Indians were formed, extending back from the store about two hundred yards. He was marched back through the lines in a southerly direction, the savages panting and yelling for the onset. Poor fellow! he stepped with the elasticity of a race-horse, confidently believing that if he succeeded in the race his life would be spared. But his doom was sealed, and this was but the opening scene in the horrible tragedy . The warriors were armed with guns loaded with powder to be shot into his naked body, the boys were armed with bows and arrows and the squaws and children with clubs and switches. No one was allowed to strike or shoot until the victim was opposite to where he stood, so that the speed of the runner might not be impeded or checked by a front fire. The word was given, ' All ready, go! ' and simultaneously a yell went up all along the line from the savages, who were eager to inflict the severest punishment upon the helpless captive. The young fellow came through the lines with astonishing swiftness, and ran into the store where I was. He was covered with ragged and gaping HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 193 wounds made by the discharges of powder and the tomahawks, and the arrows stuck out from his blackened body like the shafts of a clothesrack. He gave me a most imploring look, as if he expected me to help him, and suddenly sprang high in the air as if in terrible agony. He turned and went out at the door, when he was brained with a tomahawk and fell to the ground with his last despairing groan. They cut of his head and raised it some twelve or fifteen feet in the air on a pole, and left his body lying in the yard. I asked the privilege of the warriors to take the head down and bury the body out of sight. They told me haughtily, 'Your people do not bury our dead. and we will not bury yours.' I told them that unless I could have the privilege of burying the corpse out of my sight I would move any store over to the Tymochtee.' They then said I might do as I pleased. I took, the head down placed it on the body, washed both and wrapped them in a clean blanket and buried them The Indians drove stakes down through the body, eager to glut their vengeance to the very last. This was one of the results of the march of the Virginians into the Indian country." Leith and his wife were members of different tribes and, despite their wishes to the contrary, they were necessarily separated the greater portion of the time. Every argument and inducement were offered the wife's captors to permit her to go and live with her husband, and finally they concluded to do so. The Indians at first concluded to tattoo her boy by pricking powder and vermilion into the skin with a needle; but this procedure was abandoned, and the Indians, in council, decided that they should be stripped of all their clothing and allowed to go. This was done, and the Indians said to her: "Now, if you want to go to Sandusky, go." " She shouldered her boy, waded the 'Walholding,' the Tuscarawas,' passed through the wilderness, slept in the leaves by a log, contending with briars, nettles, flies, mosquitos, and living on June berries, wild onions, wild peas, elm bark, roots, etc. She came to a squaw, who was tending a small piece of corn and taking care of several Indian children, while the warrior was abroad. The squaw said : 'Where you go?' She replied: 'Sandusky-my husband.' 'Where clothes ?' They took them (pointing from whence she came). 'You hungry?' 'Yes.' ' Me get meat..' The squaw told her to remain until the warrior returned ; but she concluded to journey on. The squaw gave her a piece of blanket and some deer meat and she started. I was at the time busily engaged in handling pelts; revolving in my mind what I should do. I was whipping the pelts and throwing them on a pile, and had just stepped in to get another supply, when I saw my wife approaching. She threw the child down on the skins, dropping there herself, saying: 'Here, John, I have brought your boy.' The fatigue of the journey and the joy of the meeting overwhelmed her for a time. There have been many happy meetings under far more favorable circumstances, but at no time or place was there ever a meeting that filled the parties with more triumphant joy." For the purpose of subjugating and punishing the Hostile Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanese and other Indian tribes that refused to enter into peace treaties with the Government and that were outraging humanity by repeated acts of savage barbarity toward the settlers several expeditions were fitted out and sent against them in 1764. Col. Bouquet marched against them with an army of 1,500 men; whereupon the Indians alas sued for pace in the most abject manner, and over 300 white captives were surrendered to the victorious army. Comparative peace was thus secured until 1774, when another border conflict, known as Lord Dunmore's War, was begun. Various expeditions were sent against the savages, many of whom * Leith's Narrative 194 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. were slaughtered, and their fields and villages pillaged and burned. The Indians, who, when the Colonies rebelled, became allies of the British, began, under the leadership of various chiefs and the white renegades, a bloody border war, and conducted it with such malignant ferocity as to cast gloom and terror over the frontier settlements. War parties of infuriated savages traversed the forests of Eastern Ohio under the command of Girty, Elliott and others of their stripe. The Wyandots became so revengeful and troublesome that, in 1782, it was resolved to organize an expedition to be sent out for the reduction of Sandusky, their principal village. The force consisted wholly of volunteers; yet it was understood by each man that all were to be governed by military rules, and, in all cases, were expected to obey the commands of their officers. The rendezvous was to take place on the 20th of May, 1782, at Mingo Bottom, a beautiful plateau of about 250 acres, on the Ohio River, a few miles below Steubenville. Each man furnished his own equipments, not doubting that his State would make good any loss resulting from the expedition. By the 24th of May, 480 men had assembled at Mingo Bottom, mounted and armed for the journey. "For some time," says John Leith, by his biographer, "the Wyandots and other hostile tribes in Ohio had become aware, through their spies on the border, of an unusual commotion in the white settlements on the frontier. Reports of a pending invasion of their country swept rapidly from one Indian village to another, and scouts were dispatched to ascertain the cause of the commotion in the white settlements." John Leith was employed by the British to traffic with the Indians, and had at Sandusky, the objective point of the military expedition, about $8,000 worth of goods. When the indications began to point to a contemplated invasion of the Indian country by the Americans, Mr. Leith, foreseeing the probability of the destruction of Sandusky, in which case the goods in his care would fall into the hands of the invaders, dispatched several Indian runners to watch the movements of the congregating borderers at Mingo Bottom.* Scarcely a day passed that did not bring some Indian runner to Sandusky and other villages with information regarding the number and strength of the advancing army and its probable course and design. The, volunteers met at one o'clock on the 24th to elect their officers and perfect their organization. It was deemed best to divide the force into eighteen companies, each of which was to elect its captain by vote. There were chosen one Colonel, four Field Majors, and one Brigade Major. William Crawford was chosen Colonel; Daniel Williamson, John McClelland, Major Brinton, and Thomas Gaddis, Majors; Daniel Leet. Brigade Major; John Knight. Surgeon; John Slover and Jonathan Zane, Guides. John Rose was detailed to act as aid to the commanding officer. Each man was provided with thirty days' provisions, and early in the morning of May 25, 1782. the army, in four columns, began its march through the woods for Sandusky, distance 150 miles. "The route lay through what is now the counties of Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Holmes, Ashland, Richland and Crawford - nearly to the center of Wyandot County, Ohio. The whole distance, except about thirty miles at the end of the route, was through an unbroken forest. But little worthy of note transpired on the journey until after reaching what is now Wyandot County. Every precaution was employed to guard against surprises, and the army marched on as rapidly as could be done through the deep forest. While at their third encampment, several of the men lost their horses. These men were thus forced to return to Mingo Bottom, which they did reluctantly. On the fourth day of the march the army reached the Muskingum River. During the evening two In- * Judge George W. Leith, Nevada, Ohio HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 195 dians were seen watching the army. They were pursued and fired at, but without effect. This had the effect of hastening the movements of the army, which up to this time had advanced but about fifteen miles a day. One of the men died and was buried in Holmes County. By the evening of the 1st of June, the army had reached a point in Richland County, eight miles almost due east of Crestline, Crawford County. The army crossed into what is now Crawford County at one o'clock in the afternoon of the 2d. and about an hour afterward reached the Sandusky River at a point immediately east of what is now the village of Leesville, at the mouth of a small creek called Allen's run, when a halt was called, and the volunteers took a half-hours rest on the banks of the stream, for which they had been for some time anxiously looking.* The army had traveled in the last five days about eighty-five miles. They were now fairly in the enemy's country, due east from the point of destination only twenty-five miles. Stover announced to the commander that the open country -the Sandusky Plains - was but a few miles away in a southwest direction. Following along the southern margin of the stream until it suddenly swept around to the north, the army then struck off from it through a somewhat broken country for two miles, and encamped a short distance beyond, where the surface was quite level. They were still in what is now Jefferson Township, but very near the eastern edge of the plain. Early on the morning of the 3d of June, the army moved out into the sunlight of the open country. It was at a point not very far west of a small stream flowing south into the Whetstone Creek, in what is now Whetstone Township a memorable spot, as will be seen hereafter. Many of the volunteers had never before seen * It has long been a tradition among the citizens of Jefferson Township, Crawford County, Ohio, that many years ago when a large tree was cut down on the banks of the stream where this encampment had been, Col. Crawford's name and the date of his stopping there were found cut deeply into the wood, and covered with many concentric layers of growth. prairie land, and gave vent to exclamations of delight at the novel scene. The route of the army was through the present townships of Bucyrus and Dallas, in Crawford County - passing a little over three miles south of what is now the town of Bucyrus - thence into what is now Antrim Township, Wyandot County, Here the army encamped near the site of the present village of Wyandot, within ten miles of their point of destination. The next morning - the 4th of June - at 7 o'clock, after careful preparations for an emergency, the army began its march in nearly a northwest direction. After about six miles' travel, the mouth of the Little Sandusky was reached. The spot was a familiar one to Stover, who had been there before. Crossing the river, Crawford's course was along the east bank of the stream, following the Indian trace in a direction a little west of north, in what is now Pitt Township. The army moved with great caution. Not an Indian, however, was seen. Crawford was assured by Stover that the Wyandot town was close at hand. As yet there had not been discovered any indications of an Indian settlement, except a sugar-camp, where maple sugar had evidently been made the previous spring. Passing a bluff bank, the river made a sudden turn, flowing almost directly west. The movement of the army was now rapid. A little farther on, just where the river enters what is now Crane Township, suddenly an opening in the woods before them was discernible - the Wyandot town was reached. To the utter astonishment of the whole army it was found uninhabited. All was a solitude ! The log huts had, apparently, been deserted for some time. Here was a dilemma!"* It is now well to learn the cause of the disappearance of the Indians. The village which the American army had reached was in reality the old town of Sandusky, which had been deserted a year or two before, the Indians * Crawford's campaign against Sandusky, Butterfield. 196 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. establishing themselves about three miles north of the present town of Upper Sandusky, on the river. This was really the point upon which the blow was designed to fall, although Slover and Zane were unaware of the removal of the Indians to the new town of Sandusky, which was called Half King's Town from its being the residence of the Wyandots' head chief, Pomoacan, or Half King. Leith's store was at Half King's Town. He was in the employment of British traders, five of whom had placed their goods in his charge for disposal. His spies brought tidings every day of the progress and probable designs of Crawford's army. Information was brought in by swift runners as soon as the men began to assemble at Mingo Bottom, and messengers were instantly dispatched by the apprehensive Indians for assistance to De Peyster, the commandant at Detroit, and to all the Indian villages likely to be attacked. In response to the call, a considerable force of mounted troops, consisting of Butler's Rangers, was ordered from Detroit to the valley of the Sandusky, to assist the dusky allies of Great Britain in repelling the invaders. Captain Pipe, or Kogieschquanoheel, the Delaware was - chief, with the same object in view, started south with about two hundred warriors from Pipe Town, a Delaware village on Tymochtee Creek, about five miles from its mouth. Two hundred warriors from the Shawanese towns in Logan County were also dispatched to assist the Wyandots, against whom the army of Crawford was now seen to be marching. Leith, to prevent his goods from falling into the hands of the enemy. packed them on horses and started for Lower Sandusky, driving his cattle before him. He started in great haste on the morning of the 4th, and met, during the forenoon, Matthew Elliott, and, soon afterward, "the whole British army, composed of Butler's Rangers," all of whom were hurrying forward to assist in opposing the progress of Crawford's command. The troops took Leith's cattle, but permitted him to proceed with his goods. The squaws and children of the Delawares and Wyandots were hidden away in a deep ravine on Tymochtee Creek, about a mile from its mouth. The allied forces that were to resist the encroachment of the American army rapidly assembled at a spot nearly two miles southwest of Half King's Town. Here about four hundred Wyandot warriors under their war-chief Zhaus-sho-toh, and two hundred Delawares under Captain Pipe, were lying in ambush, anxiously awaiting the approach of both the enemy and re-enforcement. This was the situation of the hosts of Great Britain on the morning of the 4th of June, 1782. "The American army halted half an hour on the site of the deserted Wyandot town, discussing in council the best course to be pursued. All were satisfied of the presence of another village at no great distance down the river, and, full of hope for the result, the army was ordered to advance. It reached the springs where Upper Sandusky is now located, and soon afterward several of the men expressed a desire to return, alleging they had but five days provisions in reserve. The command was halted, and a council of war was called. Zane and others advised an immediate return. They were of the opinion that the Indians would bring an overwhelming force against them. They argued that the Indians were concentrating at some point not far distant, preparing for a determined resistance. Crawford thought likewise, and it was finally determined by the council that the army should continue its march that day, but no longer. Crawford had previously formed a company of light-horse to act as scouts in advance of the army. They followed along the Indian trail and saw, to their left, on the prairie, a beautiful island or grove, which seemed to beckon them from the fierce heat of the sun. They halted here a few moments to enjoy the cool shade. The spot was a somewhat elevated above the surrounding HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 197 country, and notwithstanding the trees, was thickly covered with tall, wild grass. They were surrounded with prairie, which was dotted here and there with small, island-like groves. The scouts moved on to the north, and, having gone about a mile, suddenly came in full view of the enemy, having unsuspectingly approached near the rendezvous of the latter. The Indians were running directly toward them, and the scouts immediately dispatched one of their number to inform Crawford of the appearance of the savages, and then slowly retired as the foe advanced. The warriors in advance were the Delawares, under Capt. Pipe, in whose company were Wingenund, a distinguished Delaware chief, and the notorious renegade, Simon Girty. The Wyandots, under Zhaus-sho-toh, were held back for the time by Matthew Elliott, another renegade. Just as the council of the army had ended, the scout from the north came riding up at full speed, announcing the discovery and advance of the enemy. The news was received with evident satisfaction by the whole army. The volunteers rapidly mounted and fell into line, ready to meet the foe for whom they had so long been anxiously looking. An advance was ordered. and obeyed with alacrity, and the army soon joined the retiring scouts, who reported the savages ahead in considerable force, prepared for battle. It was now that the splendid genius of John Rose began to exhibit itself. His cool eye flashed with fire, as he galloped along the line, carrying the orders of his commander, and cheering the men by his dauntless demeanor. The army had advanced scarcely a mile when the enemy was discovered in front, taking possession of the grove already mentioned. Crawford ordered his men to dismount, and a quick charge soon drove the Indians from the grove into the open prairie. The Wyandots held in reserve at this moment came up. Elliott, who commanded the entire force of the enemy, ordered Capt. Pipe to flank to the right, and attack Crawford in the rear, which was quickly done, and the action at once became general. The firing was very close and hot. The Americans were outnumbered, but they had the advantage in position. Girty rode a white horse, and his shouts were frequently heard above the reports of the rifles, although he carefully kept beyond gunshot. The battle continued until dark, decreasing in intensity as the Indians slowly retired before the murderous fire of the frontiersmen. The afternoon had been intensely hot, and the men had suffered severely from thirst. No water was in the grove except a small, stagnant pool, which, bad as it was, was used by the men. The victory was clearly with the Americans, although their savage foe was far from being dispirited. Reenforcements for the enemy were hourly expected. The Americans had lost five men killed and nineteen wounded, and the enemy had undoubtedly suffered a greater loss, as they were more exposed. The savages skulked in the tall Grass of the prairie, while the borderers from tree-tops poured a deadly fire upon them; as their heads rose above the grass. One of the men from his high position saw the dauntless Rose pursued by a party of mounted Indians. They were so close to him as to throw their tomahawks, but were finally baffled by his re markable coolness and superior horsemanship One of the Indians in the battle was "Big Captain Johnny," who was seven feet in height and as frightfully ugly as h was large. The enemy drew off at dark, and Crawford was lefl in possession of the field. Both parties lay on their arms during the night, and both adopted the precaution of kindling large fires, and thet retiring some distance in the rear of them, to guard against a night attack. The Wyandots were encamped north of the grove, and the Delawares south. The action took place on what is now the southeast quarter of Section 17, Township 2 south, Range 14 east, of the Government survey. "The battle began again on the morning of 198 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY the 5th, and continued during the day, but was little better than a skirmish, as the firing was done at long range, with frequent cessations. Four men were wounded during the day. The enemy were expecting re-enforcements and did not care for a general engagement, and Crawford formed obstacles in the way of a general attack until nightfall. As the afternoon wore away, the army was astonished by the information that the enemy were receiving re-enforcements. Mounted troops were seen advancing, and to the surprise and dismay of the Americans, they were seen to be white men. In fact, they were Butler's Rangers. A council of war was called, and, while the officers were deliberating, a large reenforcement of Indians-two hundred strong-was seen advancing to the assistance of the enemy. Other small squads arrived, and the 'enemy kept pouring in hourly from all quarters,' are the words of Rose. Crawford instantly saw that the army must assume the defensive, and the council of war unanimously resolved upon a night retreat. The enemy outnumbered them more than two to one, and, in the language of Rose, 'Prudence, therefore, dictated a retreat.' The volunteers killed were now buried, and fires burned over their graves. The wounded were mounted on horses, and soon after dark the entire army, in four divisions, with Crawford at the head, began its retreat. Just as this moment, they were discovered by the enemy, who opened a hot fire in the rear. This created much confusion, many of the men hurrying off without orders, leaving seven dangerously wounded men behind. All but two, however, were removed by their comrades. McClelland's division was in front and was hotly engaged with the Delawares and Shawanese. The army started back over the route it had come, keeping together as well as could be done in the darkness. Although the enemy were aroused, yet, not knowing whether the Americans intended a retreat or a night attack, they made no concerted effort to pursue them. McClelland was badly wounded and left to the infuriated savages, and his division suffered the loss of several men. The other divisions described a circle to the west, and finally arrived at the deserted Indian Village, when a halt was called. Detached parties continued to arrive until the command numbered about 300. It was now discovered that Col. Crawford, Dr. John Knight, John Stover and other prominent officers and men were missing. Daniel Williamson took command of the army, and began to create order out of the confusion, receiving great assistance from the intrepid Rose. Under their new commander the soldiers took up their retreat. Men, separated during the night from the main body, continued to arrive, among whom was John Sherrard,who told a melancholy story. In company with John Harbaugh, he had become separated from his division, and while making his way through the woods after daylight, suddenly saw an Indian off to the left. He called to his companion, who was not quick enough to screen himself, and who was instantly shot by the savage, exclaiming as he fell: 'Lord have mercy upon me, I'm a dead man" and immediately expired. The Indian ran away, and Sherrard, taking his dead companion's saddle and bridle, hurried off: He soon discovered that he had left his provisions, and turned back to secure them. He found that the Indian had been before him, and had scalped the lifeless soldier, and taken his horse, gun and provisions. Harbaugh had been shot through the breast. "Not long after the army had reached the open country southeast of the mouth of the Little Sandusky Creek, and was well on its way in the plains, a large body of the enemy was discovered a considerable distance in the rear. It consisted of mounted Indians and the British light cavalry. At noon, the army had reached a point on the trail, due south of the present site of Bucyrus. 'The enemy,' says Rose, 'hung on our rear through the plains ;' and they now HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 199 began to press the Americans. The eastern verge of the prairie was not very far ahead. By 2 o'clock the woodland had almost been reached, when the enemy crowded hard upon their rear, and began a flank movement of the Americans both right and left. `It was evidently their design,' says Rose, to retard our march until they could possess themselves of some advantageous ground in our front, and so cut off our retreat, or oblige us to fight at a disadvantage, Although it was best to avoid a general engagement on the plains, on account of the numbers of the enemy, yet they pressed our rear so hard that we concluded on a general and vigorous attack, while our light-horse secured the entrance of the woods.' " Here it was that the battle of Olentangy took place about 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 6th of June, 1782. The spot is on the northwest quarter of Section 22, Township 3 south, Range 17 east, of the Government survey, in what is now Whetstone Township, Crawford County, Ohio. While the battle was in progress, clouds began to obscure the sun, and the change of the temperature from intense heat to comparative coolness indicated an approaching storm, and was a great relief to the exhausted men. Williamson exerted himself to encourage his men, and was greatly assisted by Rose, whose spirit, cheerfulness and coolness were only surpassed by his wonderful skill and intrepidity. He was a foreigner, and but little was known of him, except that he was highly cultured and a perfect gentleman. His martial bearing and astonishing coolness at the moment of extreme danger aroused the admiration of the whole army. He was a natural leader, and was of invaluable aid in encouraging and directing the men. "Stand to your ranks, boys," said he, "fire low, and do not throw away a single shot. Remember, everything depends upon your steadiness." The battle was conducted with great spirit on both sides for about an hour, when the enemy, who had fought furiously, "attacking the Americans on the front, left flank, and rear," gave way on all sides, and withdrew beyond gunshot. "We had three killed and eight wounded," is the language of Rose. The loss of the enemy is not known, although probably much severer than that of the Americans. It is said that a Frenchman, disguised as an Indian, and fighting for the enemy at this battle, had painted a large red spot upon his breast, remarking as he did so "Here is a mark for the Virginia riflemen." He was killed instantly by a ball which struck the spot with which he had decorated his person. Just as the battle ended, a furious rain-storm swept across the plains, drenching the men to the skin, and rendering the firearms almost useless. The dead were hastily buried, the wounded cared for, and the troops again continued their retreat. The enemy followed them in considerable force, harassing them with a desultory fire, but keeping at a respectful distance. The shots at last became so galling that, in shifting the various companies to new positions, and thus exposing some divisions to a sudden fire, the men hurried forward in confusion, which was almost precipitated into a panic and a rout. It was only through the almost superhuman efforts of Williamson and Rose that the wavering companies were reduced to order. The army pressed rapidly forward, and at dark had army reached the spot in Crawford County, near Leesville, where it had stopped on its way out. The army halted and camped for the night, as did also the enemy a short distance away. Every precaution was adopted by both parties against a night surprise and attack. The night passed without incident, and at daybreak the retreat was renewed. The enemy immediately advanced and opened flre. "Two of the borderers were, at this juncture, unfortunately captured, and, it is supposed, immediately tomahawked. Now, however, to the great relief of the army, the pursuit was abandoned. 'The Indians', says Dunlevy, ' pursued the main body 200 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. no longer.' The last hostile shot was fired near where the village of Crestline now stands. Here the Americans had their last view of the foe; it was a welcome adieu. Not a single savage or British ranger was afterward seen by the army." The retreat was rapidly continued, and the vigilance and discipline of the army were considerably relaxed, though not entirely abandoned. Many of the men had consumed their last provisions, and naturally all were anxious to get home. A large portion of the men were on foot, and. as the army moved along, it was often joined by comrades who had been separated from it on the night the retreat commenced, and who were greeted with loud hurrahs as they appeared. Not a word was learned. however, of Crawford. The troops reached Mingo Bottom on the 13th of June, just twenty days from the time they had left the same spot, so full of hope and expectancy. Here they found several of the missing men, who had arrived before them. Great excitement was created on the border when the news of the failure of the expedition became known. Stragglers from the main body, who had reached the settlements in advance, gave exaggerated accounts of the disaster. Reports were circulated and currently believed that the savages were pursuing the volunteers even to the Ohio River, and, in a panic, the settlers fled to the forts for protection. The appearance of the army, however, quieted all apprehension of sudden and serious danger. The army crossed the Ohio River, opposite Mingo Bottom on the 13th, and encamped for the last time. On the morrow, the men were discharged and returned to their homes. The total loss in killed, those dying from wounds and those who afterward suffered death in the wilderness, together with a few whose fate never became known, was less than seventy men. The States whence the volunteers had marched made good all losses of property, and many of them received pensions for services, of which the Sandusky campaign was the basis. On the night when the army began its retreat, the confusion was so great that many of the men became separated from the main body, and, being unable to recover the trace, were compelled to make the effort to reach home alone. Among the number thus bewildered were John Slover, James Paull and five others, all on foot. They marched north until they reached Tymochtee Creek when they turned south and finally crossed into Craw ford County. They came very near being discovered several times by bands of Indians. They traveled all day, and the next night were at a point about five miles east of Busyrus. They crossed Sandusky and Vernon Townships and journeyed on until they came to Wayne County, when they were attacked by a party of Shawanese that had followed them. Two of the men were shot dead, Paull ran and escaped, and the others. including Slover, were taken prisoners. The Indians immediately started for the Shawanese towns on Mad River, in what is now Logan County, Ohio. Arriving there, the prisoners were set upon by the inhabitants, who beat them with clubs and tomahawks. The oldest man was seized, stripped naked and painted black with charcoal and water. All except Slover were compelled to run the gauntlet, but the Indians inflicted the most of the punishment upon the man who had been painted black. He was cut with tomahawks, beaten with clubs, and his naked body was shot full of powder. Holes were blown into his flesh by the discharges. The savages were a long time beating, wounding, pursuing and killing him. He was afterward cut in pieces, and his head, limbs and body were raised on poles on the outside of the town. The other companions of Slover were sent to other towns, where they shared the same awful fate. Slover was at Wapatomica, and while there saw three bodies lying on the ground-black, bloody, mutilated and burnt with powder. He recognized HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 201 them as belonging to William Crawford, a nephew of the Colonel, and William Harrison, the Colonel's son-in-law. He believed the third body to be that of Maj. McClelland, but was not certain. The bodies were frightful to look at. The next day the heads were raised on poles and the corpses given to the dogs. What an awful fate! All these men had been members of Crawford's army, and had been captured while endeavoring to make their way to the settlements. "What a gorge of infernal revelry did these unfortunate prisoners afford the infuriated savages." Slover had been a captive among the Indians many years before. receiving the name Mannucothe. The Indians knew him, and, having summoned him to a council held for the purpose, interrogated him concerning the state of the war. He told them, among other things, that Cornwallis had surrendered. The next day, Matthew Elliott and James Girty came to the Council. They assured the Indians that Slover had lied. Slover was looked upon with suspicion by the savages, who were aware of his having been with Crawford's army; and, notwithstanding the fact that he had once been adopted by them, but had afterward gone to the white settlements, the Indians began to entertain misgivings that he was their foe. Their belief in his enmity was firmly established by the statements of Elliott and Girty, and they resolved to put him to death by the most cruel tortures. He was allowed to go freely among the Indians; but was closely watched, and was kept in suspense several days as to his fate. It was about this time that twelve white men were brought in captives from Kentucky, three of whom were tortured to death with fire at Wapatomica. The remainder were sent to other towns, where they shared a like fate. About forty warriors, among whom was George Girty, finally took Slover, stripped him naked, painted him black, tied his arms securely behind him, and fastened a rope around his neck. In this condition he was driven to a village seven miles distant, the Indians beating him terribly on the way, and, when there, he was tied to a post and a fire builded around him. While it was burning, a sudden rain-storm came on and extinguished the fire, and the Indians, after some discussion, resolved to put off his death until the morrow. They kept beating, kicking and wounding him until long after midnight, when finally they tied him securely in a block-house, with three warriors to watch. These at last lay down to sleep. Slover then, knowing it to be his last and only chance, began to make desperate efforts to free himself. He tore at the cords for a long time, and at last thought he must give it up. It was now daybreak. He made a last desperate effort, when, to his great surprise and joy, the cord came untied, and he was free. He stepped over the sleeping bodies and ran rapidly out into the woods. He caught a horse that was feeding near, and, using the rope with which he had been tied as a halter, he mounted and rode rapidly away. He was entirely naked, and covered with wounds and black paint. His horse was a good one and, knowing that he would be swiftly pursued by the blood-thirsty savages he urged it to its best pace. The animal finally gave out, and Slover pushed forward rapidly on foot. Finally, after four days of intense suffering and hardship, having had nothing to eat save a few berries and crawfishes, he arrived, on the 10th of July, at Wheeling - the last of Crawford's army to return. On the night of the retreat, Crawford, like others of his command, became separated from his comrades. He called aloud, but received no reply. After a time, he was joined by Dr. Knight, who said he thought the army was in advance. They started on, and were soon joined by two other men. Neither knew which way to go. They first started southwest, but finally turned north, and, after traveling two miles, they turned due east, keeping fifteen yards apart, as a precaution against surprise. 202 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. At daylight, they passed into Crawford County at a point about two miles northwest of Osceola. Several of their horses failed here and were left. They turned somewhat to the southeast, and, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, fell in with Capt. Biggs, who had heroically taken charge of Lieut. Ashley, the latter having been dangerously wounded. The rainstorm, already mentioned, came on at this time with great fury. The party encamped for the night in Holmes Township, about two miles almost due north of Bucyrus. The next morning they passed across the southern part of Liberty Township, crossed the Sandusky River, and traveled on into northern Whetstone Township. Here they were joined by another straggler, who increased the party to seven. About 2 o'clock, they came upon the path made by the army on its journey out. They were now in Jefferson Township, on the Sandusky River, about a mile and a half down the stream from Leesville, at the same point where the army, in marching out, had left the river, bearing off southwesterly. They marched on toward the east, following the trail made by the army. All were mounted except Crawford and Knight, and, while marching along a short distance east of where the army first reached the river, they suddenly ran into an ambuscade of Delaware Indians. These were members of the band under Wingenund, a celebrated Delaware chief, whose camp was located three fourths of a mile northeast of Leesville. The army, in marching out, had passed within a mile of this camp without discovering it. Crawford and Knight were immediately made prisoners, but the others, who were on horses, escaped for the time. In the meantime, great rejoicings, wild dances and fierce exultation were transpiring at the Half King's town. The savages had returned from pursuing the American army, and were laden with spoils and scalps. The squaws and children came forth from their hiding-place to join the wild revelry, and hear the exultant braves boast of their exploits. As soon as the news of Crawford's capture reached the Wyandot and Delaware villages, on Sandusky River, orders were sent by Capt. Pipe and Wingenund to have him brought to Pipe Town, on Tymochtee Creek. Crawford and Knight were captives of the Delawares, who, in order to burn them, as desired, must obtain the consent of the Half King of the Wyandots, to whom the Delawares were subject, and among whom the custom of burning prisoners was obsolete. The request was granted, and the infuriated savages-old and young-made preparations to enjoy the tortures of the unfortunate men. Crawford and Knight were at first taken to Wingenund Camp, near Leesville, where they found nine other men, all of whom had been taken prisoners from Crawford's army. On the morning of the 10th of June, all the prisoners were marched to Half King's Town, Crawford in charge of two Indian guards, marching separate from the others. He here requested, and obtained, an interview with Simon Girty, and offered him $1,000 to save his life, and the white savage promised to make the effort, with no intention of keeping his promise. On the morning of the 11th, the faces of all the eleven prisoners were painted black. Crawford and Knight were separated from the others, four of whom they afterward saw lying by the roadside, tomahawked and scalped. Crawford and Knight were marched toward Pipe Town, and, when within a mile of the place, overtook their remaining five companions, who, soon afterward, were set upon by a number of infuriated squaws and boys, and all five were tomahawked and scalped. Crawford and Knight saw Girty at this place, but the savage renegade did not make an effort to save their lives. They were marched on toward Pipe Town, and, when within three-fourths of a mile of the place, were halted on the banks of the Ty mochtee. This was about the HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 203 middle of the afternoon. That night the Doctor was securely guarded at the Delaware village, and the next morning-the 12th of June -was taken out by Tutelu, the savage who had him in charge, and again painted black. Tutelu then mounted a horse, and, ordering Knight, who was on foot, to proceed, the two struck westward for the Shawanese towns, about fotry miles distant. They traveled twenty-five miles, and encamped for the night. Early the next morning, the Doctor, under a pretense to drive off the mosquitoes, took a heavy dogwood stick, the end of which was on fire, and, wheeling suddenly, struck his captor a terrible blow across the head, knocking him into the fire. Knight seized the Indian's gun, and the latter, howling with pain, ran swiftly off through the woods. The savage was pursued, but the Doctor, who had broken the mainspring in his efforts to cock the gun, was unable to fire, though he continued to run after the savage, who was soon out of sight. This occurred in Hardin County. Knight immediately started east toward the settlements, passing in a northeast direction across Crawford County, near where Galion now stands. After almost incredible sufferings from hunger and exposure, having nothing to eat save wild berries and an occasional bird, which was devoured raw, he arrived on the 4th of July at Fort Pitt. The afternoon previous to Knight's confinement in Pipe Town-the afternoon of the 11th of June-he witnessed the awful death of the unfortunate Crawford, on the bank of Tymochtee Creek. The latter had made every effort for his life, but all his offers were rejected. The night of the 10th he had been confined in the store of John Leith, at Half King's Town, the latter having returned with his goods when the army retreated. Crawford appealed to Leith to shoot him in case the savages made preparations to burn him on the morrow, but Leith signified his inability to do so, alleging that the infuriated savages would brook no interference.* It was about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 11th that Crawford's punishment began. There were present about forty warriors and sixty or seventy squaws and boys. Simon Gerty, Dr. Knight, Samuel Wells (a negro boy), Christian Fast (a captive white boy about seventeen years of age), and, very probably, Matthew Elliott, the British Captain, were also present at times during the torture." Crawford was stripped naked and ordered to sit down. It is a tradition that his clothes, especially his hat, which was made of leather, were long after in the keeping of the Delawares. The Indians now beat him with sticks and their fists, and, immediately after, Knight was treated in the same manner. A post about fifteen feet high had been set in the ground. Crawford's hands were bound behind his back, and one end of a strong rope was tied to the ligature between his wrists, the other end being fastened to the post. The rope was long enough for him to sit down or walk around the post once or twice and return the same way. Craw ford then called to Girty and asked if they intended to burn him. Girty answered, `Yes.' he then replied he would take it all patiently. Upon this, Captain Pipe made a speech to the Indians, who, at its conclusion, yelled a hideous and hearty assent to what had been said. The spot where Crawford was now to be immolated was in what is now Crawford Township, Wyandot County, a short distance northeast of the town of Craw fordsville. The Indian men now took up their guns and shot powder into Crawford's naked body, from his feet as far up as his neck. It was the opinion of Knight that not less than seventy loads were discharged upon him! They then crowded about him, and, to the best of Knight's observation, cut off both his ears for, when the throng dispersed, he saw blood running from both sides of his head. The fire was about six yards from * Judge Leith, Nevada, Ohio. 204 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the post. It was made of small hickory poles about six feet in length. Three or four Indians, by turns, would take up, individually, one of these hurning pieces of wood and apply it to his naked body, already burnt black with powder. These tormentors presented themselves on every side of him so that, whichever way he ran around the post, they met him with the burning fagots. Some of the squaws took boards, upon which they would carry a quantity of burning coals and hot embers and throw on him, so that, in a short time, he had nothing but coals of fire and hot ashes to walk on. In the midst of these extreme tortures. Crawford called to Girty and begged to be shot, but, the white savage making no answer, he called again. Girty then, by way of derision, told Crawford he had no gun, at the same time turning to an Indian and laughing at the horrid scene. Crawford then besought the Almighty to have mercy on his soul, spoke very low, and bore his torments with the most manly fortitude. He continued in all the extremities of pain for about. two hours longer, when, at last, being almost spent, he lay down upon his stomach. The savages then scalped him, and repeatedly threw the scalp into the face of Knight, telling him that was his Great Captain An old squaw, whose appearance Knight thought, every way answered the ideas people entertain of the devil, got a board, took a parcel of coals and ashes, and laid them on his back and head. He then raised himself upon his feet and began to walk around the post. They next put burning sticks at him, as usual, but he seemed more insensible to pain than before. Knight, whose recital has been followed, was now taken away from the dreadful scene. It was a tradition among the Indians that Crawford breathed his last just at the going down of the sun. After he died - so runneth tradition - the fagots were heaped together, his body placed upon them, and around his smoking and charred remains danced the delighted savages for many hours. Crawford's melancholy death fell like a knell upon the settlements. Heart rending was the anguish of his lonely wife at his cabin on the banks of the Youghiogheny." The aid of Col. Crawford in the Sandusky campaign - John Rose - was a foreigner, who had come to the United States some years before. His story was that, sympathizing with the colonies in their struggle with the mother country, he had resolved to volunteer his services in the cause of liberty. He was fine looking; spoke the French language fluently, was highly educated, and was undoubtedly a man of high rank. He made many warm personal friends, among whom was Gen. William Irvine, the Commander of the Western Department, at whose house he was always a welcome visitor. His polished and agreeable manners made him conspicuous wherever he moved. He was sent by Gen. Irvine to act as Crawford's aid in the Sandusky campaign. In 1784, he returned to the old world, and. soon afterward, wrote to Irvine, giving his true history. His name was not John Rose, but Gustavus H. de Rosenthal, of Livonia, Russia - a Baron of the Empire. He left his country because of having killed a nobleman in a duel, caused by a blow the latter had inflicted on au aged uncle in his presence. Thus, the gallant soldier on the Sandusky Plains, the hero of Olentangy and Battle Island, was none other than Baron Rosenthal, of Russia.