HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 319

CHAPTER. VIII.

WAR of 1812.

WHEN, in 1811, it became evident that there was to be another war between the United States and Great Britain, agents of the latter government became active in their intrigues with the Indians to unite the tribes of the Northwest against the United States. British officers promised Tecumseh that, in the event of war between the two governments, if he would bring to their aid in the Northwest a large force of Indians, the King of Great Britain would not make peace with the United States until the Indians had recovered their old boundary of the Ohio River by driving the whites from all the territory north of it.

Tecumseh, without delay, held councils with all of the tribes. Large bodies of Indians were gathered at different points, to meet which the United States found it necessary to bring into the field a large force. The battle of Tippecanoe, on Tippecanoe Creek, Indiana, was fought by the army under Gen. Harrison on November 7, 1811.

During the winter, Congress was engaged in the discussion of the question of an early invasion of Canada, and the administration was maturing plans for the organization and operation of the army and navy. It was decided that the Northwestern frontier should be well protected. Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, were called upon for a strong force of militia to co-operate with the troops. The citizens of the three States named were practically solid in their support of the administration of President Madison, although in the Eastern States there existed a decided opposition to the war.

Early in April, 1812, the President made a requisition for 1,200 of Ohio militia for one year's service. In obedience to this call, Gov. Return J. Meigs issued orders to the Major Generals of the Western and Middle Divisions, to furnish their respective quotas of men, and designated Dayton as the point for such troops to report to, on April 29.

Besides the militia called for, Congress had authorized six companies of mounted rangers, to be organized for one year's service on the frontier, and a special appropriation was made for their pay and subsistence. Capt. William Perry was appointed to enlist and command the Second company of these rangers. The company was to consist of Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals and sixty privates, to be held at all times ready to march at short notice, each man to furnish himself with a good rifle or musket, side arms, or tomahawk, and a horse.

Gen. Edmund Munger commanding the Second Brigade, First Division, Ohio Militia, received the order for raising this company, and published it to the First Battalion of the First Regiment, at their muster, in Dayton, on Tuesday, April 14; he called for volunteers, and twenty stepped out of the line and enlisted.

By law, the power was conferred on every officer to call out the whole or a part of all the militia under his command; then, as in this case, if service was required for any length of time, and there was not enough volunteers, it became the duty of such officer to draft from the remainder enough men to fill the quota; that explains why drafted troops reported as promptly to camp as the volunteers. The militia were thus kept in comparatively good discipline, and ever ready for prompt, active service during the war.

320 -HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

A sufficient number not having volunteered to fill the company of rangers, the battalion was ordered to assemble on the 16th, at Adam's Prairie, near the mouth of Hole's Creek, five miles down the river from Dayton. Maj. George Adams was ordered to report with his battalion at the same time and place, to have a draft, if necessary, to fill up Capt. Perry's company, deeming it not advisable to draft men from Preble, Darke or Miami Counties, because of the Indian alarm in those quarters.

April 23, Capt. Perry received orders to march immediately to Fort Loramie, and on Monday, the 27th, the rangers passed through town.

April 29, the Indians killed and scalped a man near Greenville; three men were found murdered in the woods near Fort Defiance.

April 30 had been appointed by the Governor as a day of fasting and prayer; public service was held at the court house in Dayton.

May 1, Maj. Charles Wolverton, of Miami County, with Capt. Reuben Westfall's company of that county, marched from Piqua over to Greenville with instructions to kill every Indian they saw. They killed two Pottawatomies, wounded a third and captured two squaws and a boy Indian.

No preparation had been made, either by the State authorities or by the citizens of the town, for the reception of the State troops that were to rendezvous at Dayton. May 1, companies began to arrive at Dayton, and bivouac on the commonage (now the City park, on the canal, between Second and Third streets), where they remained without tents and other equipage until the middle of the month. Gov. Meigs came to Dayton on Wednesday, May 6, to superintend the organization of the militia, twelve companies of which had reported in obedience to his orders. Some of them were encamped just south of town, as there was not room enough for them all in the town. The citizens welcomed the Governor with a salute of eighteen guns, and in the afternoon he reviewed the troops. The next day, from his headquarters at McCollom's tavern, he issued this appeal:

A CALL ON THE PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS OF OHIO.

The situation of our country has compelled the Government to resort to precautionary measures of defense. In obedience to this call, eight hundred men have abandoned the comforts of domestic life, and are here assembled in camp at the distance of some hundred miles from home, prepared to protect our frontier from the awful effects of savage and of civilized warfare. But the unprecedented celerity with which they have moved precluded the possibility of properly equipping them. Many, very many of them, are destitute of blankets; and, without these indispensable articles, it will be impossible for them to move to their point of destination.

CITIZENS of OHIO! This appeal is made to You-let each family furnish one or more BLANKETS, and the requisite number will be completed. It is not requested as a boon ; the moment your blankets are delivered, you shall receive their full value, in money they are not to be had at the stores. The season of the year is approaching, when each family may, without inconvenience, part with one.

Mothers! Sisters ! Wives!-Recollect that the men in whose favor this appeal is made have connections as near and dear as any which can bind you to life. These they have voluntarily abandoned, trusting that the integrity and patriotism of their fellow-citizens will supply every requisite for themselves and their families ; and, trusting that the same Spirit which enabled their Fathers to achieve their Independence, will enable their Sons to defend it.

R. J. MEIGs, Governor of Ohio.

HEADQUARTERS, Dayton, May 7, 1812.

The Indians were growing quite uneasy along the frontier and annoying to the little settlements at the front. There were still 1,970 of them in the northwest corner of the State. Five tribes:

Shawnees .......................................................... 700. Ottawas............................................................ 550. Wyandots.......................................................... 300.

Senecas............. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .220.

Delawares and Muncies ...................................... 200.

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The Shawnee lands were around the head-waters of the Great Miami and the Auglaize Rivers; the Ottawas principally along Lake Erie; the Wyandots on the Sandusky River; the Senecas, Delawares and Muncies on the same river and its tributary streams. Preble, Darke and Miami Counties were threatened; many of the settlers, with their families, fled from the frontier, spreading the alarm. Indian parties were so annoying that it was necessary to keep the Miami County militia constantly scouting to the north and west of Piqua. In the northern part of this county, from the Miami River west to Preble County, two or three block-houses were built as rallying points for the settlers.

Gen. Munger, with the Dayton Troop of Horse, was ordered from camp, at Hole's Creek, on a scout to the front, beyond Greenville. May, 10, he returned with the information that friendly Indians were advising the whites to move into the settlements; that the Prophet, with a large body of Indians, was in camp seventy miles from Greenville, expecting to advance against the settlements in about six weeks. Gov. Meigs at once ordered a company of riflemen, from Col. McArthur's regiment, to march to Greenville, and another to Piqua, to protect the settlers and the public property. Gov. Meigs left for Cincinnati, expecting to meet Gen. Hull, but returned on the 15th, without him.

Gen. John S. Gano and Col. Lewis Cass, on Wednesday, the 13th, arrived from Cincinnati, with 600 men, and went into camp on the common, swelling the number of troops in camp to about 1,400.

The Shawnee chiefs, from the Wapakonetta towns, were at Piqua in conference with Col. John Johnston, the United States Indian Agent, and there was great anxiety to know whether their decision would be for peace or war. On the 14th, reports came of the capture of six buck Indians and a squaw by the militia, near Troy. The next day, near Greenville, the Indians attacked a party of five or six whites, who were planting, wounding one man. The Indians were pursued and one of them killed and one wounded.

The Indians, in council, at Piqua, gave assurances that friendly relations with the whites would be continued; but the people placed no confidence in their professions.

May 20, Capt. Mansfield arrived in camp from Cincinnati, with his company of light infantry. The troops had become used to camp life and their duties as soldiers, and had acquired some practice in the manual of arms and company evolutions. The Governor had assembled these 1,500 recruits, hastily organized into companies, officered by men of their own choice. The time had now arrived for the organization of these companies into regiments.

May 21, three regiments of infantry were formed-the First, Second and Third Ohio Militia-the first troops ever organized by the State authorities. For the First Regiment, Duncan McArthur was elected Colonel, and James Denny and William A. Trimble, Majors. For the Second Regiment, James Findlay was elected Colonel, and Thomas Moore and Thomas B. Van Horn, Majors. For the Third Regiment, Lewis Cass was elected Colonel, and Robert Morrison and Jeremiah R. Munson, Majors.

After the assignment of companies and election of officers, the First Regiment returned to their camp south of the town, the other two regiments remaining in camp on the common. A better state of discipline was maintained and everything placed in military trim. Capt. Van Clove's company of Dayton riflemen volunteered their services for the protection of the frontier; there being already more than the State's quota of troops mustered into the service, this company, with many others, were organized into battalions and regiments, for outpost duty, to guard supply trains and to keep open the line of communications with the army.

322 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Gov. Meigs had discharged his duty well, had remained in the Miami Valley, giving personal attention to the enlistment and organization of the Ohio troops, and now they were ready for the field; he had only to transfer the command to Brig. Gen. William Hull, who the President had assigned as the commander of the Northwestern Army.

The General and his staff had arrived in Dayton, and were stopping at McCollom's tavern. The busy preparations for the departure of the troops filled the town with life and bustle; officers and attaches were reporting for duty; supplies of ammunition, Quartermaster's and commissary stores were hurried up the road from Cincinnati; a wagon train, with tents, blankets and camp equipage, came in. Our people were in the midst of the excitement of army life; the narrow roadways were crowded with army wagons, pack-horses, mounted men and couriers, squads and companies drilling. Dayton was a military camp.

The transfer of the command of the army by Gov. Meigs to Gen. Hull was made on the 25th, with all proper ceremony. In the morning the Governor and staff with the General and staff rode to the camp of the First Ohio, the regiment being in line to receive them. After review, addresses were delivered, and the officers returned to the tavern for dinner; after which they mounted and rode down to the camp on the commons, making a careful inspection of arms, accouterments and equipments. The two regiments passed in review and were then formed in close column and addressed by Gov. Meigs as follows:

OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FIRST ARMY OF OHIO

Collected suddenly and rapidly from the various parts of the State, you have manifested a zeal worthy the character of a free people. You will soon be completely organized, and I trust that harmony will forever continue. Already you have made considerable advances in discipline ; you will improve ; it will soon become easy, familiar and agreeable. Subordination is the soul of discipline ; order, safety and victory are its results. Honor consists in an honorable discharge of duty, whatever may be the rank. Respect each other according to your stations ; officers, be to your men as parents to children ; men, regard your officers as fathers. You will soon march. My heart will always be with you. The prayers of all good citizens will attend you. By direction of the President of the United Sates, I have so far organized and marched you ; in his name, I thank you.,

I feel a satisfaction in knowing that you are to be placed under the command and guidance of Brigadier General Hull, a distinguished officer of Revolutionary experience, who, being Superintendent of Indian Affairs and Chief Magistrate of the Territory to which you are destined, was happily selected for the service. His influence and authority there will enable him to provide for your convenience.

I pray that each may conduct himself so that when you return to the embrace of your friends and relations, they may be proud to salute you as one who had honorably belonged to the First Army of Ohio. The Second Army is organizing, and will follow, if necessary. Our frontiers must be protected from savage barbarity; our rights maintained, and our wrongs avenged.

Go then ! Fear not ! Be strong ! Quit yourselves like men, and may the God of Armies be your shield and buckler.

Gen. Hull then addressed the troops

PATRIOTIC OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF OHIO.

The manner in which His Excellency, Gov. Meigs, has delivered over to me the command of this part of the army, has excited sensations which I strongly feel, but which it is difficult for me to express. His great exertions, and the talents be has displayed in assembling, organizing. disciplining and preparing in every respect for actual service so respectable a military force, are known to you, and will be fully known to his country ; this knowledge of his conduct will be his highest eulogium. Long may he live, and long may lie adorn his elevated station.

The crisis now has arrived when our country has deemed it necessary to call into the field her patriotic sons. The spirit which has been manifested on this occasion is highly honorable to the officers and soldiers who compose this army, and to the section of the Union to which you belong. You have exhibited an example to the older part of the country worthy of imitation. Citizens distinguished for talents and wealth have made a voluntary tender of their services to defend the violated rights of the nation. Such men are entitled to the fair inheritance which was purchased by the valor and blood of their fathers.

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A country with such a defense has nothing to fear; in any possible exigence it is environed with a bulwark of safety. To officers and soldiers, who have engaged in the public service with such honorable and patriotic motives, it is unnecessary to urge the importance of regularity and discipline, or the necessity of subordination and obedience to orders. The same spirit which induced you voluntarily to engage in the service of your country, will animate you in the discharge of your duties. With patience you will submit to the privations and fatigues incident to a military life, and if you should be called to meet danger in the field, you will manifest the sincerity of your engagements by the firmness and bravery of your conduct. In marching through a wilderness, memorable for savage barbarity, you will remember the causes by which that barbarity has been heretofore excited. In viewing the ground, stained with the blood of your fellow-citizens, it will be impossible to suppress the feelings of indignation. Passing by the ruins of a fortress, erected in our territory by a foreign nation in times of profound peace, and for the express purpose of exciting the savages to hostility, and supplying them with the means of conducting a barbarous war, must remind you of that system of oppression and injustice which the spirit of an indignant people can no longer endure.

If it is possible that time should obliterate the remembrance of past transactions, what will be the impression on the present occasion ? The wrongs of the same nation have been continually accumulating, and have at length compelled our country to put on the armor of safety, and be prepared to avenge the injuries which have been inflicted.

In a few days, you will be joined by a body of troops of the United States Army. Among them you will have the pleasure of seeing the Fourth Regiment of Infantry, the gallant heroes of Tippecanoe. They will act by your side in the approaching campaign ; and while they will be ambitious to maintain, and, if possible, to increase the glory they have already acquired, your conduct will be stimulated by the splendor of their example, and you will be inspired with ambition to acquire laurels at least as brilliant as those they deservedly wear.

That harmony and friendship may pervade this army, and that glory and fame may attend it in all its movements, are wishes in which I am confident you will all heartily join.

The citizens of the town and surrounding country turned out almost on masse to witness the display and ceremonies. The narrow roadways of the town were crowded with a motley mass of men, women and children, soldiers, pack-horses, army wagons and squads of militia; all interest being centered at camp, on the little prairie between First and Third streets, just east of St. Clair street.

Early the next morning, May 26, 1812, the three regiments broke camp, formed, with Gen. Hull and staff, in full uniform, at the head of the column, marched from town, crossing Mad River at the Staunton road ford, nearly opposite the bead of Webster street. The march continued up the west bank of Mad River about three miles, to a prairie in the east half of Section 30. The troops were formed in a hollow square, and, amidst the cheers of troops and people, the American flag was hoisted in front of Gen. Hull's tent, and the name of the camp was announced as Camp Meigs, in honor of Ohio's patriotic Governor. The camp was regularly laid out, and the troops were made more comfortable in the tents and with the equipage supplied by the Government. A more rigid discipline was maintained and the regular duties of camp life began. Officers and men were drilled in outpost and guard duty.

To relieve the two companies of the First Regiment, then out scouting, the Governor issued the following order to Col. Holt and Capt. Van Clove, then in camp at Adam's Prairie, on Hole's Creek:

HEADQUARTERS, DAYTON, May 26, 1812.

Capt. William Van Clove's company of riflemen will march to the frontier of the State, west of the Miami, under the direction and charge of Col. Jerome Holt. Col. Holt will assist the frontier inhabitants in erecting block-houses in suitable places, and adopt any mode he may think best for the protection of the frontiers, and the continuance of the settlements. R. J. MEIGS, Governor of Ohio.

Patrols of militia kept the roads on both sides of the Miami, from Camp Meigs to Piqua, clear of Indians. A troop of horse, in command of Col. Sloan, of Cincinnati, reported at Camp Meigs on the 27th, and within three or four days the two companies of the First Regiment returned to camp.

The army was not to be encumbered with artillery in crossing the country

324 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

but were to be supplied at Detroit, where there were a number of siege-guns and batteries of lighter caliber.

At Camp Meigs, everything was in readiness to move; the wagon train, with baggage and ammunition, were parked, ready to load tents and equipage; pack-horse brigades were all organized to carry provisions and forage.

May 31, the order was issued "to strike tents early in the morning." The little army of 1,800 men had been armed and equipped for the campaign against the British forces and their Indian allies. A description of the outfit for officers and men, as they ,marched from Camp Meigs on that bright June morning, seventy years ago, may be interesting.

The General and his staff, the Colonels of regiments and other mounted officers, wore cocked hats with plumes; sabers at their sides and a pair of big horse pistols in the holsters; soldiers were dressed in tow linen hunting-shirts and breeches, low-crowned hat, with cockade or plate worn on the side. The arms were flint-lock muskets, with bayonets, some mounted companies using in addition the old, heavy flint-lock horse pistols, that were about fifteen to twenty inches long. To the waist-belt in a leather pocket, hung the tomahawk, and in a sheath was a butcher-knife. On the right hip, attached to a cross belt, thrown over the left shoulder, was the cartridge box. In a small sheath on the left side hung the bayonet. They were also supplied with canteens. The knapsack was made of heavy linen, painted and varnished. The blanket was rolled on top and the whole covered with a piece of oil cloth. Clothing, rations and ammunition, were carried in the knapsacks. Companies were usually divided into messes of six men each, rations were issued to each mess every evening, each man cooking, in the most primitive manner, his provisions for the next day. The rations were flour or corn meal, fat bacon, parched corn and salt. Cattle were driven along with the supply trains, thus furnishing an occasional issue of fresh beef. Whisky was issued in bad weather, or when extra duty was required. The flour was made into flapjacks, or, after kneading, was twisted around a pole five or six feet long, then this "pole bread" was baked by turning before the fire.

Thus organized and equipped for the field, this, the first army of Ohio, designated as the Northwestern Army, by the Government, marched from Camp Meigs, Monday, June 1, 1812. The whole population of the town and county gathered at the camp to witness their departure. The Governor and his staff were present, with many strangers from Cincinnati and from over in Kentucky.

The general call was beat at half past 4 o'clock in the morning; tents were struck; baggage, tents and equipments loaded into the wagons; a hasty breakfast and the assembly was sounded. The column was formed as follows: Cavalry on the right; next in line was the Second Regiment; then the Third Ohio, and on the extreme left marched the First Regiment, followed by the wagon train and brigades of pack mules. For several miles crowds of people tramped through the fields on either side of the troops, many following all day, and sleeping in camp the first night, and did not return to their homes for a day or two. The road the troops marched out on is now known as the old Troy pike, but at that time it was simply a country road that led north to the settlements on the Miami River, and was known as the Staunton road. The army went into camp at Staunton the first evening, a small settlement a mile east of Troy. It was the intention of Gen. Hull to march the army up the east bank of the Miami, to Fort Loramie, then cross over to the Auglaize, and keep on down to the rapids of the Maumee. A large number of batteaux and other keel boats had been loaded with flour, corn-meal, pork and corn, here at Dayton, to be taken up the river, protected by the troops, but the water was too low, and the first day out the boats stranded on the shoals. This caused a change of plans,

PAGE 325 - BLANK

PAGE 326 - PICTURE OF COLESTIN SCHWIND, DAYTON

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and the army was paid off and remained until the 6th in camp at Staunton. It then marched across to Urbana, where they arrived on the 7th, and camped in the eastern part of the town. Gov. Meigs had left Dayton on the 3d for Urbana, to hold a council with twelve Indian chiefs, who had been assembled there for the purpose; six of them, Cutawepasa, Cutawepa, Piageha, Pitahage, Kitekishemo and Nasahacothe, were of the Shawnee tribes; five of them, Jahe, Shanato, Scutush, Manaham and Dewesen, of the Wyandots, and Mathame, of the Mingoes. To impress the savages with the strength of the army, and of the determination and power of the United States Government to hold the territory ceded by the English Government, in the treaty of 1783, the army at Urbana were paraded on the afternoon of June 8, and reviewed by the Governor, attended by the Indian chiefs, several officers of the State, and other military and civil officers.

The Fourth Regiment United States Infantry and several militia companies arrived as re-enforcements, increasing the army to 2,500 effective men. A hospital was establised at Urbana, and other arrangements made for that point as a base of supplies for the army. The First Regiment was ordered to cut a road north through the woods to Scioto River, and, in compliance with this order, marched from camp on the 11th, and, on the 16th, reached the south bank of the Scioto, twenty-four miles from Urbana, and began building two blockhouses, each 20x24 feet, in a low flat piece of woods. The two block-houses were connected by a strong stockade; another stockade was put up, inclosing a half acre of ground surrounding the houses; these fortifications were given the name of Fort McArthur. On the 15th the army left Urbana. The general line of march was through the counties of Logan, Hardin, Hancock and Wood, to the foot of the Maumee Rapids, where they crossed and marched to Fort Detroit.

On the evening of the 19th. the army arrived at Fort McArthur, where they camped for three days. The woods were full of hostiles, rendering it necessary to have a strong rear guard, and to march companies of riflemen on the flanks of the army.

June 21, the Second Regiment was detailed to cut the road through to Blanchard's Fork of the Auglaize River. For several days it had been raining continuously, and, leaving a company as a garrison, the army marched from Fort McArthur, on the 22d, into the swamps, and, after marching twelve miles, got stuck in the mud, and, as a matter of precaution, built a block-house, calling it Fort Necessity. These block-house stations were erected to store provisions not needed for immediate use, and which could afterward be forwarded under escort of the militia.

About twenty miles farther on Fort Findlay was built on the high ground on the west side of Blanchard's Fork, where Findlay now stands. It was a stockade of fifty yards square, with block-houses at each of the four corners and a ditch in front.

With the Third Regiment in the advance, to clear a road, the army began the march through the Black Swamp a part of it is now known as Hull's Prairie. The distance from Fort Findlay to the rapids is thirty-five miles, and it was a tedious march. The road was badly cut up by the mounted troops, packhorses. and 106 heavily loaded wagons. Thirteen wagons were abandoned in the mud. In many places the men marched knee-deep in mud. Gen. Hull arrived at the Maumee, June 30, and crossed, with his army, in fine health and spirits, and at once resumed his march to Detroit. To keep open his line of communication, and to protect stores and public property left at the forts and stations, militia were stationed at Dayton, Piqua, Urbana, St. Mary's, Fort McArthur and Fort Findlay, and a battalion at Fort Greenville.

328 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

After the departure of the army from Camp Meigs, on Mad River, Gen. Munger marched his militia command up from Hole's Creek and occupied the camp. As commander of this post, his duty was to guard all public stores here, and keep the roads open as far as Piqua and Urbana. Quartermaster, commissary and ordinance stores were forwarded through Dayton to the front.

Capt. Perry's company of rangers was constantly scouting through the country between St. Mary's and Fort Wayne, skirmishing with Indian parties, and killing all they captured. On the Sth of July, they were ordered to go through to Vincennes. The object of the Governor in holding the militia in camps, in Southern and Western Ohio, and at the posts along the line of communications to the north, was to be ready to organize a second army in case of emergency. Camp Meigs being a favorable point, quite a considerable force was assembled here, or held ready to report at short notice. About the middle of June, Mr. Cooper employed the militia who were at Camp Meigs, in digging a race from the old millrace, on First street, to Fifth street. The race was dug from a point just north of First street and east of Madison, running southwest to Second street, and crossing that street about a hundred feet east of the present canal basin, continuing south and parallel to the present course of the canal; just above Fifth street he built a saw-mill that stood there until 1847.

Lieut. Gwynne, of the United States Army, opened a recruiting office at one of the Dayton taverns, on the 1st of July, enlisting men for five years' service, offering $16 bounty, and if the recruit served his time out, or was killed, or disabled in the service, he was to receive three months additional pay and get 160 acres of land. Men were also enlisted for eighteen months and received the bounty, but no land. Musicians were hired by the month; boys, with the consent of their parents or guardians, were enlisted as musicians.

The Dayton riflemen, stationed at Greenville,with the citizens of that town. celebrated the 4th of July by a parade and big dinner. Army trains and militia made too much confusion in this county for any observance of the day.

July 10, Gov. Meigs, who was then at Chillicothe, ordered Gen. Munger to disband his militia brigade, as it was then thought their services would not be required.

Farmers sold their grain, stock and surplus products, to army contractors at advanced prices; some idea of the business of this kind carried on here through that summer may be had from the advertisements of contractors, one of whom wanted to buy 3,000 barrels of flour, 600 head of cattle and 400 horses. Everything the people had for sale was bought for the army. Another contractor advertised for flour in barrels, whisky, beef cattle, vinegar and bacon, to be delivered at Dayton, or any of the block-houses that might be agreed upon.

At noon, on Saturday, August 22, the news of Hull's disgraceful surrender reached Dayton, creating consternation and the greatest alarm among the people for the safety of the frontier settlements. United States Commissioners were then in council with the Indians at Piqua, and it was feared that the disaster might influence all neutral tribes to join the British force and spread their barbarous warfare over Southwestern Ohio. The situation was gloomy. Up to this time there had been no idea of serious reverse. The surrender occurred on the 16th of August, at a moment when every soldier and officer in the American Army, except the General himself, was ready and anxious for the battle. Gen. Hull had with him a well-appointed army of 2,500 men of all arms, fully supplied with arms, ammunition and provisions. These, with thirty-eight pieces of artillery, large quantities of ammunition, a month's supply of provisions at Fort Detroit, and a great quantity of cattle, sheep and horses, and the stores at the River Raisin,

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 329

were surrendered without firing a gun, to Maj. Gen. Brock, of the British Army, who had but 330 regulars, 400 militia and 600 Indians; his artillery consisted of three six-pounders and two three-pounders.

The Ohio troops were released on parole, and landed by the British at different points along the shore of Lake Erie as far east as Cleveland, and left to find their way across the State to their homes. Hull was afterward tried for treason, cowardice and unofficer-like conduct, found guilty of the last two charges, sentenced to be shot, but was subsequently pardoned by the President. Hull's surrender left the whole Northwestern Territory open to the aggressions of the British and their Indian allies. The people of Ohio and Kentucky were thoroughly aroused to the danger, and, without delay, began organizing companies and regiments. The news reached Dayton August 22. A call was immediately issued for every able bodied man in the county who could procure a firelock to meet in Dayton the next day, Sunday, ready to march immediately to the threatened settlements of the north. By Sunday morning, Capt. James Steele had a company of seventy men fully armed and equipped and marched

to Piqua to protect the government stores there. Mothers, wives and daughters, worked like heroines in preparing the men to go. Extras were issued from the office of the Ohio Sentinel, at Dayton, giving all information from the front, and urging the men to organize for defense. Intense excitement prevailed everywhere. On Sunday, five companies of volunteers and two companies of drafted men assembled in town from different parts of the county. Capt. Caldwell, with a troop of horse from Warren County, rode through here on the way to Piqua; and Capt. Johnson, with a rifle company from the same county, reported at Camp Meigs. Monday morning, six of the infantry companies were organized into a battalion by the election of Maj. George Adams as their commander. In the afternoon, 341 strong and fully equipped, the battalion marched north. The two companies of drafted men remained at Camp Meigs subject to the order of the Governor. The rallying music of the fife and drum resounded through the brushy streets of Dayton. Monday evening and Tuesday morning several companies from adjoining counties marched through town on their way north; on Tuesday, Maj. Jenkinson, with a battalion of 350 men, that had been raised as a re-enforcement to the army, before the news of the fall of Detroit was known, halted at Camp Meigs on their way to the front. A Greene County brigade marched under Gen. Benjamin Whiteman. Troops were being organized and rapidly pushed to the front to meet an expected advance of the victorious enemy.

Capt. Steele's Dayton company, with others, was ordered to St. Mary's; Capt. Steele was placed in command of the post, and Private Joseph H. Crane was made Sergeant Major.

The following is a copy of the pay-roll of the company, and from it it will be seen that a detachment must have been away on scouting duty, as there are only fifty-two names here:

Capt. James Steele, Lieut. George Grove, Ensign James McClain, First Sergeant John Folkerth, Second, Ralph Wilson, Third, John Strain, Fourth, James Henderson, First Corporal, Matthew Patton, Second, Alexander Grimes, Third, George Harris, Fourth, David Henderson; privates, Joseph H. Crane, John Deaver, David Brier, John McCabe, John Rowan, Samuel Walton, Joshua Greer, George Newcom, John Newcom, Simpson McCarter, George Ward, William Bay, James Miller, John Lowe, Daniel Sunderland, William Vanosdarl, William Montgomery, James Petticrew, James McClain, John Holderman, Samuel King, James Brier, Ira Smith, Abraham Smith, George Wollaston, Lewis Gordon, Jeremiah Collins. Jonathan Mayhall, David Riffle, Robert McCleary, William Van Coyk, James Bay, John Enoch, Henry Jennings, William McCor-

330 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

mick, Andrew Robeson, Moses Hatfield, Moses McNair, Alexander Guy, William Fryback, Caleb Worley.

The military roads through Montgomery County were from Cincinnati up through Lebanon and Centerville, and the other through Franklin and Miamisburg, to Dayton, then up Main street to First, and out that street to the Staunton road ford, up to Camp Meigs, across the bottoms, and on up Hull's road to Staunton, where the roads forked to Piqua and Urbana.

The following order placed the organization of troops and the responsibility of the defense upon Gen. Munger, who was in command of the Fifth Brigade of the First Division of Ohio Militia:

URBANA, August 5th, 1812.

GENERAL. MUNGER:

Sir-You will take immediate measures for the defense of the frontier within your command. You will cause block-houses to be created at suitable places. Advise the inhabitants to associate and erect suitable stations of defense in such way as to accommodate families. The astonishing fate of General Hull's armv has exposed the frontier to barbarians. I have written by express to the Secretary of War on the subject of defense. I hope soon to see the Kentucky army here, when a regular system of operations will be adopted. In the meantime, you will direct and advise the most judicious course.

Your obedient servant,

R. J. MEIGS.

Gen. Munger promptly marched, with his brigade, to Piqua; directed the removal of the public stores from that point to Dayton, and ordered Capt, Steele's company to advance to St. Mary's, where they built block-houses for the defense of the town. It was then the most advanced post along the frontier line. There was no information from the front; the British had undisputed possession of the lakes from Fort Dearborn (Chicago) to the Niagara; there was no artillery in the West; the Maumee country was occupied by roving bands of Indians. Additional block-houses were built in the neighborhoods in this and Preble Counties.

Gen. W. H. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana Territory, had been appointed by Gov. Scott, of Kentucky, Major General of Kentucky volunteers. The General immediately started from Frankfort with an escort of Kentucky cavalry, to take command of the Kentucky militia, then on the march. He overtook them in camp just below Centerville, in this county. Monday afternoon, August 31, Col. Samuel Wells, of the United States Army, with three or four hundred of the Seventeenth Infantry, and Capt. William Garrard, with a troop of horse from Bourbon County, Ky., passed through Dayton, halting overnight out at Camp Meigs. Tuesday morning Gen. Harrison, accompanied by his staff and escort, arrived and halted for a few hours; the citizens of the town honored him with a salute of eighteen guns. The little iron gun used in firing this salute was stationed under a big oak tree that stood on the east side of Main street, north of the alley between Second and Third streets, the back end of Lot No. 108. While they were firing, a brigade of Kentuckians, 1,800 strong, in command of Brig. Gen. John Payne, marched up Main street, halting near Second street. The brigade consisted of the following regiments: First Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. John M. Scott commanding; Fifth Kentucky Infantry, Lieut. Col. William Lewis commanding, and a regiment of Kentucky Rifles, Lieut. Col. John Allen commanding. In firing the salute one of the citizens had one hand shot off, and the other badly wounded. In the afternoon the troops marched out to Camp Meigs. The following letter is evidence that they were pleased with their reception by the Dayton people:

STATE OF OHIO, CAMP NEAR DAYTON, September 1, 1872.

The commander of the Kentucky Volunteers begs leave to return to the citizens of Dayton the thanks of himself and the army under his command, for the tribute of respect paid to them in passing through the town.

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 331

They flatter themselves that in the hour of trial they will not be found unworthy of the confidence of their country. They feelingly commiserate with the citizen, who, in paying them that tribute, was maimed in the accidental going-off of the cannon, and they beg leave to present to him a small sum of money, a voluntary contribution of the officers, toward defraying the expenses of his cure.

By order of the General.

ASA PAYNE, Aide-de-Camp.

THOMAS SMITH, Secretary.

Two regiments of Montgomery County troops were held at Piqua; a battalion, under Maj. Adams, was sent to St. Mary's. Col. Jerome Holt was ordered with his regiment; to Greenville to build a block-house and strong stockade; the station at Loramie's was strengthened and re-enforced. The Governor had advanced the militia to Fort McArthur, and ordered the works' there, and at Fort Manary and Urbana to be enlarged.

The Indians were threatening an attack upon Fort Wayne, and Gen. Munger had ordered Maj. Adams to march to the relief of that post, when the Governor and Gen. Harrison arrived at Piqua and decided to send a larger force; a courier was sent to Maj. Adams to hold his battalion at St. Mary's for reenforcements. This address from the Governor and Gen. Harrison's call for troops will explain the situation and their plans:

PIQUA, September 2, 1812.

FELLOW-CITIZENS OF OHIO:

At a moment like this, I appeal to your valor and patriotism. Maj. General Harrison will rendezvous a respectable force of Kentucky volunteers at Dayton on the 15th instant for a short expedition.

Gen. Harrison desires to add to his troops any number of volunteers from the State of Ohio, who will serve on the expedition, not exceeding thirty days.

All those who will embrace this favorable opportunity of distinguishing themselves under an able commander, and of rendering to the State of Ohio a valuable service, will, in their equipment and movements, follow the directions of Gen. Harrison hereto subjoined.

R. J. MEIGS, Governor of Ohio.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED.

Any number of volunteers, mounted, and prepared for active service, to continue for twenty-five or thirty days, will be accepted to rendezvous at the town of Dayton, on the Big Miami, on the 15th inst.

It is expected that the volunteers will provide themselves with salted provisions and a portion of biscuits; those who are unable to procure them, will be furnished if possible. Those brave men who may give their country their services on this occasion, may be assured that an opportunity of distinguishing themselves will be offered.

I shall command the expedition in person, and the number of troops employed will be adequate to the object proposed.

I will also hire a number of substantial horses; fifty cents a day will be allowed for each horse provided with saddle and bridle.

Those patriotic citizens who are unable to afford personal assistance, will render essential service to their country by furnishing the horses, which must be delivered in Dayton on the 14th inst., to a person who will be authorized to receive and receipt for them.

WM. H. HARRISON.

Headquarters Piqua, Sept. 2, 1812.

HEADQUARTERS PIQUA, 5TH SEPTEMBER, 1812, 4 O'CLOCK A. M.

MOUNTED VOLUNTEERS:

I requested you in my last address to rendezvous at Dayton on the 15th inst. I have now a more pressing call for your services! The British and Indians have invaded our country and are now besieging (perhaps have taken) Fort Wayne. Every friend to his country, who is able to do so, will join me, as soon as possible, well mounted, with a good rifle and twenty or thirty days' provisions. Ammunition will be furnished at Cincinnati and Dayton, and the volunteers will draw provisions (to save their salted meat) at all the public deposits. The Quartermasters and Commissaries will see that this order is executed.

WILLIAM H. HARRISON.

A thousand men were ordered from Urbana to St. Mary's, and on Sunday, September 6, Gen. Payne's brigade of Kentuckians marched from Piqua to the same point. Maj. Richard M. Johnson arrived in Dayton, on Sunday, with 300

332 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

mounted Kentucky infantry. They bivouacked on Main street for the night, and rode to Piqua the next day. Gen. Harrison was concentrating his troops at St. Mary's for the expedition to the vicinity of Fort Wayne, and issued this appeal before starting to St. Mary's, on Monday, the 7th:

To THE PEOPLE OF OHIO:

Fellow Citizens-The situation of our Northwestern frontiers, exposed as they are to the depredations of the savages, guided and conducted by their British allies, requires decisive and energetic measures. To carry my views into' effect, it is necessary that I should mount on horseback one at least of the regiments of infantry under my command. I have therefore authorized Jesse Hunt and Peyton Short to engage any number of horses not exceeding eight hundred in number, for an expedition which is not expected to exceed twenty-five or thirty days. Each horse is to be provided with a saddle and bridle. The terms are fifty cents a day for each horse and equipments, to be paid for by the United States should they be lost, or should the horses die by any other than a natural death. An appraisement will take place upon the delivery of the horses, and every pains taken to prevent them from being abused. Patriots of the Revolution! you who are no longer able to give your assistance in the field, will you withhold from your countrymen the means of coming in contact with the enemy, to retrieve our late misfortunes, and wipe away the disgrace which our army bave sustained?

I cannot doubt but that every friend to his country, who can spare a horse, will aid us oil this occasion.

WILLIAM H. HARRISON.

HEADQUARTERS, PIQUA, 7th Sept., 1812.

The subscribers will attend in Dayton, at the house of Major David Reid, on the 15th and 16th of this month to receive and receipt for horses.

JESSE HUNT.

PAYTON SHORT

SEPTEMBER 8, 1812.

The paper here urged the people to promptly respond in every possible case to this opportunity afforded the real patriots of the country to step forth in defense of our soil; that these are the times that try men's souls. A line of distinction would be drawn between the noisy pretender and the real lover of his country; that but a few days before the citizens of this and adjoining counties manifested a promptitude and patriotism honorable to the State, and hopes were expressed that in the emergency they might sustain the character of the community by offering every aid called for; that the army was no longer commanded by an old woman, and that Gen. Harrison had the confidence of all by showing an ardent devotion to the service, which none would question.

On the 9th, Gen. Harrison, with his anny, 4,000 strong, marched from St. Mary's; the distance to Fort Wayne was fifty-five miles, and he was four days on the way. After destroying the Indian villages in that vicinity, he returned, with his forces, to St. Mary's. Maj. Adams' battalion, from Montgomery County, who had so patriotically and promptly responded to the call for defense of the frontier, were discharged, and retuned to their homes.

There was no regularly established army hospital in this county at any time during the war, yet many sick and wounded soldiers were cared for, especially in Dayton. Soldiers of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia, were buried in the little pioneer graveyards along the roads through the county, from Franklin and Centerville, north to Vandalia, Staunton and Milton.

In September, 1812, a courier passed through to the north, bearing dispatches to Gen. Harrison; and his commission as Major General in the United States army; his assignment as commander of all the troops in the Northwest Territory, with orders to retake Detroit.

Sunday, September 13, Brig. Gen. James Winchester and staff stopped for dinner in Dayton, on their way to the headquarters of Gen. Harrison. Wednesday, the 16th, Col. Payne's regiment of Kentucky volunteers and several companies of Indiana militia were camped on the commons awaiting orders; two other Kentucky regiments were out at Camp Meigs. September 17, Gen. Harrison received his commission and dispatches, and began at once to organize

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 333

for the campaign. His troops were new levies, poorly clad, and hastily pushed to the front, with but scanty supplies of ammunition, equipage and provisions. His requisitions for ordnance and commissary supplies were promptly filled by the Government. To furnish the men with warm clothing and blankets, he addressed an appeal to the patriotic people of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, ask ing for contributions of the needed articles. To the ladies of Dayton and vicinity he sent this special appeal:

HEADQUARTERS ST. MARYS, 29th September, 1812.

General Harrison presents his compliments to the ladies of Dayton and its vicinity, and solicits their assistance in making shirts for their brave defenders who compose his army; many of whom are almost destitute of that article, so necessary to their health and comfort. The materials will be furnished by the Quartermaster; and the General confidently expects that this opportunity for the display of female patriotism and industry will be eagerly embraced by his fair countrywomen.

WILLIAM H. HARRISON.

In compliance. the ladies of the town and county promptly, and with great enthusiasm, made up and forwarded to the army 1,800 shirts, by October 14. The shirts were made of calico furnished by the Indian Department from an nuities withheld from the tribes in arms against the Government. Later in the month, a large quantity of clothing was taken through here from Paris, Ky., for the Kentucky troops with Gen. Winchester. Indians from the Mississinewa River region were getting very troublesome to settlers of Preble and Darke Counties, running off horses and cattle, and murdering any of the people caught away from the block-houses. Saturday, October 2. two little girls were murdered within a half mile of the fort at Greenville.

A company of mounted riflemen, for immediate service at Fort Defiance, was raised in Dayton; but in consequence of these Indian troubles to the West. this company, under Maj. George Adams, was ordered to Fort Greenville, and were stationed at a stockade seven miles north of New Paris, as an outpost of Fort Greenville. October 4, Gen. Winchester, with a force consisting of three regiments of Kentucky troops, four companies of regulars, a troop of horse, and Capt. Ballard's company of spies, arrived at old Fort Defiance from Fort Wayne, and rebuilt the fort. Notice was given that horses, saddles and bridles, taken in at Dayton for the Government, would be retained as Government property, and the owners were paid for them agreeably to the valuations. The valley was full of horses that had strayed from the camps and battlefields to the north. An agent was sent to Dayton to receive all such horses that had been taken up.

Gen. Harrison's plans for the campaign had been carefully considered, and toward the latter part of October were rapidly developing. The army was to advance in three columns to the Maumee Rapids. The right wing, which he would command himself, were being assembled at Upper Sandusky. The center, under Gen. Edward W. Tupper, was to advance from Urbana, by Forts McArthur and Findlay.

The left wing, with Gen. Winchester in command, would march from Fort St. Mary's to Fort Defiance, and on down the Auglaize and Maumee to the rapids, where the army was to be concentrated for the advance against Detroit. Leaving Gen. Winchester with his brigade, at Fort Defiance, Gen. Harrison visited St. Mary's, Urbana, Fort McArthur and Upper Sandusky.

Heavy rains in November precluded any military movements for the winter; the country was inundated and the roads were impassable. The General then crossed to Franklinton, Franklin County, where he established his headquarters; here he found that Brig. Gen. Leftwich had arrived, with a brigade of Virginia troops, and a train of heavy guns and lighter artillery; this brigade was ordered to Upper Sandusky. The troops at Upper Sandusky were from Pennsylvania and Virginia. Gen. Tupper's command consisted of Ohio, Indiana and Virginia volunteers; and the left wing was composed of Kentuckians

334 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

and regulars. Because of the good stage of water, supplies were to be forwarded by boats, up the Miami River to St. Mary's, across the portage, then down the Auglaize and Maumee, and across the head of the lake and up to Detroit. If colder weather came, then the roads up through Urbana and Fort Findlay would be available. Thus it will be seen that Dayton was on the line of communication, and so continued through the war.

The following notice was published to mill-owners on the Great Miami from the Ohio River to Loramie's:

It has become necessarv to run boats from the mouth of the Great Miami to Loramie's, loaded with public property, and it is expected that those who own dams will immediately make arrangements for letting the boats pass with expedition and safety, otherwise their dams will be injured. The public boats must pass at all risks.

The only danger to the line of communication seemed to be from threatening Indians out on the Mississinewa River. To guard against this danger, reserves of Miami Valley militia, were stationed at Dayton, Greenville, St. Mary's and Urbana. Our people would occasionally hear from the Montgomery County soldiers, and supplies for their comfort were regularly forwarded, and while there was no county organization among the ladies, as a relief society, yet they gathered supplies for the hospitals, and made and forwarded clothing, proving themselves worthy wives and relatives of the noble pioneers who were at the front battling for homes for them. The noble deeds, the self-sacrifice and the untiring efforts of the pioneer women of the Miami Valley, if recorded, would fill a volume of most thrilling history. Nothing was grudgingly done. The actions of the men were hopefully seconded in all efforts that were made. The experience in the Indian wars enabled the women to act intelligently in their work. In similar cases, in war and peace, the example of these pioneer women has always been a characteristic of those who have followed.

From this time on through the winter, and. until September of the next year (1813), Government agents were stationed at Dayton to buy all that farmers and dealers would sell, of pickled pork, bacon, whisky, corn-meal, flour, tow linen, cattle, horses and grain; and recruiting offices were open all of the time. Business in the towns was brisk in every branch. Through the almost bottomless mud roads, supplies were forwarded to Urbana. The greatest difficulties were met in crossing the swollen rivers and creeks by rope ferries. Later in the season, when the ground was frozen and there was some little snow and ice, transportation was easier; but wagons, sleds, teams and teamsters, pack-horses and pack-horsemen were scarce; wagons and horses, sleds and oxen, were hired and bought from the farmers, and the farmer boys, who were too young for serv ice at the front, were employed to drive them. To induce farmers to send their teams, assurances were given that they would not be pressed into service beyond St. Mary's or Urbana. Three dollars a day was the price paid for sleds and teams that would haul six barrels of flour; or $8 a barrel was paid for flour delivered at Pipua or Urbana; and $10 if delivered at St. Mary's; for whisky delivered at that point, the Government paid 75 cents a gallon. The Government storehouse. in charge of Foragemaster Col. Robert Patterson, was in Dayton, at the upper end of Main street, near Grimes' tavern.

The Indians in the Mississinewa country becoming more troublesome, Gen. Harrison ordered an expedition to be fitted out to destroy the villages in that section, near where Muncietown, Ind., now is. About December 1, the detachment arrived here in command of Lieut. Col. John B. Campbell, of the Nineteenth United States Infantry. They were only partially mounted, and remained here until the 11th of the month to procure horses. Here at Dayton they drew ammunition, ten days' rations and forage; marching from here 600 strong, composed as follows: A squadron of Kentucky Dragoons, one company

PAGE 335 - PICTURE OF JACOB STIEKLE, DAYTON

PAGE 336 - BLANK

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 337

of United States Infantry, a Pennsylvania troop of horse, two companies of Pennsylvania Infantry, a detachment of Michigan militia and a troop of horse. Riding from here, the column reached Greenville on the 14th and left there the same day, the direction being a little north of west to the Mississinewa River. The duty was severe, and the utmost caution was necessary to prevent surprise and massacre by the savages. On the way out one-third of the command were on guard every night, and the night of the 16th they marched all night down the Mississinewa River to a village of Delawares and Miamis, attacking it at day light on the bitter cold morning of December 16. The ground was covered with snow. They rode into the village at once, driving out the Indains, suffering some loss themselves, but killing, wounding and capturing many of the savages.Following up their advantage, three other villages were taken and destroyed the same day, the force returning to camp for the night in the wigwams of. the first village captured.

Long before daylight the next morning the men were quietly awakened while the officers held a council of war. Shortly afterward, the savages made a furious attack; the fire was instantly returned, and the troops pressed out in the darkness, ending the fight in an hour by the total rout of the Indians. The killed were decently buried, and nearly the whole day was consumed in preparing stretchers for the forty who were too badly wounded to ride. Their total loss was eight killed and forty-eight wounded. The Indian losses were thirty killed and, fully twice that many wounded and forty-three prisoners. So many horses had been killed and lost in action, that nearly one-half the command was dismounted. Toward evening they marched three miles on the return before going into camp for the night.

Breaking camp before daylight the next morning, they marched fourteen miles that day, and at supper the supply of provisions was exhausted. One-half the men were placed on guard, while the other half was engaged in throw ing up breastworks for defense. The roads were in as bad condition as snow, mud and ice could make them. The wounded were particularly uncomfortable and suffering intensely from cold and exposure, in addition to the pains from wounds that could not receive proper attention. Nearly every man had either hands, feet or ears frost-bitte n. The horses were in a starving condition. At noon of Tuesday, the 22d, Maj. Adams, with a re-enforcement of ninety-five men from Greenville, met them, and at once issued to the almost exhausted soldiers, a half ration each. The next day, Col. Holt met them with a supply of provisions that enabled them to reach Fort Greenville on the 24th, with but 303 men fit for duty; two of the wounded had died on the march. In camp, twelve miles this side of Greenville, a resolution of thanks was voted Col. Holt, Maj. Adams and the rest of their command, for prompt and efficient relief afforded.

Sunday, December 27, the detachment reached Dayton, on their way back to headquarters at Franklinton, showing, by their distressed condition, the hardships they had endured and the sharp fights they had been engaged in; with all their sufferings they had fought gallantly and, were punished severely. The sympathies of this little community were immediately aroused for these wounded officers and men; the command was literally billeted on the town; with scarcely an exception there was from one to five in every house; the men were, in the army at the front; but the good women of the county nobly cared for these worn-out soldiers. Sunday was given as a day of relief and care for the wounded. The following order will explain itself:

DETACHMENT ORDER, DAYTON, December 28, 1812.

The troops will attend Divine service on Wednesday, the 30th inst., in camp, at 12 o'clock. When we consider the wonderful interposition of Divine Providence in our favor during the last fatiguing, dangerous and distressing expedition, gratitude for these favors,

338 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

require our united and sincere thanksgiving for our deliverance. I hope the troops whom I had the honor to command in times of peril " that tried men's souls," will attend with suitable decency and reverence, and join in devoutly expressing our obligations to that Being whose protection we have all felt and witnessed.

JOHN B. CAMPBELL, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.

After resting for several days, the command resumed the march to Franklinton; many of the wounded were left here and remained for some time; several of the severely wounded died and were buried here.

The result of this expedition was to place the Delawares and Miami tribes in a starving condition, so that, in January, 1,000 of them came in to Piqua to be cared for by the Government. There was no further trouble from that direction, al though in January, the Montgomery County, militia, stationed at Greenville, organized an expedition against the Indian towns, but it was abandoned by orders from Gen. Harrison. Thirty Miami Indians were afterward brought to Dayton, and held as hostages for the good behavior of the tribe.

Shortly after New Year's Day, 1813, the weather moderated. Then followed continuous rain storms, that again knocked the bottom out of the roads. Troops, artillery, pack-horses and wagon trains that were moving to the front made but slow progress, yet they kept going. Some days a hundred wagons and sleds, loaded with supplies, would start north for the army at Fort Defiance, Urbana and Fort McArthur.

In January, Capt. A. Edwards, a physician of Dayton, who had had experience in the medical staff of the army the year before, organized a company here and marched to the front.

Pay of non-commissioned officers, privates and musicians, had been fixed by law of Congress, as follows: Sergeants and principal musicians, $11; musicians, $9; private soldiers, $8.

About the middle of the month, Gen. Winchester, with the left wing, advanced to the rapids; then assumed the responsibility of bringing on an engagement, and alone was responsible for the butchery of regulars and Kentuck ians at the River Raisin, the result of which was the loss of 32 officers and 474 non-commissioned officers and privates killed, wounded and missing. Fortunately, Gen. Harrison soon arrived, checked the disaster and temporarily withdrew the army from the Maumee. The snow tip there was very deep, and the army was kept moving about just enough to make them uncomfortable during the winter. In February, Ohio and Kentucky militia, whose terms of enlistment had expired, marched through Dayton on their way to their homes. The companies and regiments would generally bivouac on Main street for the night, keeping the little town in a hum of excitement.

The waters were at such a good stage that large quantities of stores were forwarded from Cincinnati by boats, small boats of supplies were worked through the swamps from Loramie Creek to the Auglaize, and down to Fort Defiance; and between Loramie and St. Mary's there was but six miles hauling to be done.

The troops in the camps and forts being greatly in need of shoes during the winter, made moccasins of green hides to replace their worn-out shoes. Three hundred hogs and a large drove of cattle were bought in the county and driven north to the army early in the winter.

Kentucky and Ohio, with the Territories of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, formed the Eighth Military District of the United States. Troops were needed and the greatest efforts were made to increase the army in the Northwest. Two additional Ohio regiments were authorized. Gen. Harrison visited Urbana, Franklinton, Chillicothe, Cincinnati and Dayton, to urge recruiting for the spring campaign. He was successful in this mission. Small bodies of troops were continually marching through here to the north during

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY. - 339

March and April. The roads were again to be filled with an ever-changing panorama of troops and trains; the county was to have the exciting experience of the year before.

In April, Gen. Green Clay, with a brigade of Kentucky troops, halted in the rain overnight, on muddy Main street, in Dayton. Although it was necessary to hurry to the North, the roads were so fearfully muddy that progress was slow. However, they pulled through in time to advance with the army for the spring campaign.

The campaign of 1813 opened the latter part of April by the British and their Indian allies laying siege to Fort Meigs, then being built by Gen. Harrison at the rapids of the Maumee. The enemy, shortly afterward, retreated up the Detroit River, and then to the Canada side. Lieut. James Flinn, of the Second company of United States Rangers, that had been recruited here in Dayton the year before, opened an office here on the 19th of May, to enlist thirty or forty rangers for one year's service (unless sooner disbanded) at $1 a day. Perry's splendid victory on Lake Erie, September 10, and Harrison's pursuit of Procter, ended successfully at the battle of the Thames, October 5, recovered to the United States control of the lakes and possession of all the ter ritory lost by Hull's surrender. These grand results brought rejoicing to the citizens of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The troops were to come home; the military road from the Maumee to the head-waters of the Big Miami, and on down the valley through Dayton, seemed alive with the returning battalions. Ohio Volunteers, Kentucky rangers and riflemen, were constantly marching back through Dayton

The war in the West was over, the boys were coming home to family and friends, who were anxiously watching for them. The town was crowded every day with families from every part of the county, looking for husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and sweethearts. There were no telegraph lines, or other means to know where the companies were; the only way was to wait and watch the next one to march into town might be the one looked for, or, it might be a hundred miles away.

Every squad and battalion was hailed with" Hello! What company is that?" " Bourbon County Rangers." "Do you know where such and such a company is?" "Oh, yes; we left them stuck in the mud back in the Black Swamp." Or, " we camped with them last night; they will be along soon." Trains and soldiers were again camping here; the town was filled with excitement and rejoicing. One of the Kentucky regiments, in bivouac on Main street, were a little noisy in their demonstrations in a way that old soldiers have; they got a barrel of "'commissary," and began at once (like old soldiers will) to get "outside of it," and to make things lively in the town for the night. They got a cannon out of Henry Brown's barn, in Dayton, then supplying themselves with powder from the Government storehouse, added to the excitement by discharging the gun at intervals until daylight. The history of the gun was this: It had been captured by the Indians in one of the battles with Gen. Wayne, and, after that war, was traded in by one of Sutherland & Brown's agents, and was finally brought here from Hamilton and used by the citizens for several years in firing salutes on the 4th of July and other occasions. For some reason during the night the Kentuckians got excited over the fact that the gun had been bought of the Indians, and they planted it on Main street to fire into Mr. Brown's house, but the affair was readily explained, and the boys went on with their hurrah.

When it became certainly known that the Dayton soldiers were on their march home; citizens of the town and county met to arrange details for their reception. A proposition was discussed and agreed upon, to build a foot bridge

340 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

across Mad River, that the heroes might march in dry shod: this part of the plan was afterward abandoned. A flag pole was planted at the head of Main street, and the cannon was kept there in readiness; decorations of cedar were liberally indulged in; streets and houses were trimmed up as gaily as could be with the scant resources.

The arrival of a company or regiment was announced by a signal gun, and, in response, the people gathered to give the boys a hearty welcome and dinner. Tables were arranged in the open air, and the backwoods veterans were entertained with a square meal; then in speeches and rejoicings for the rest of the day

By the 1st of December, the companies had all returned, the men, who, for two years, had been fighting through swamps, wading the rivers and marching in the mud roads, had conquered a lasting peace, and were at home. Many families were to mourn the loss of dear, brave relatives, for the Montgomery County companies had been constantly on active duty at the front, and suffered with the rest.

The excitement continued in the West, although military operations had been transferred to the lower end of Lake Erie. Some of the Ohio militia were retained in the service until 1814, and others were called out for short tours of duty the following year, at St. Mary's, Greenville, Fort Wayne, Fort Defiance and Detroit.

A company from German Township, with one other company from this county, were called out for six months' service in 1814. The garrison at Fort Detroit, under Col. Butler, had several sharp skirmishes with the British, holding them in check, and fully protecting Ohio and Michigan.

Friday, March 31, 1815, was designated by the Governor as a day of thanksgiving for peace that had been declared.