Book and Journal of Robt. B. McAfee's Mounted Company, in Col. Richard M. Johnson's Regiment, from May 19th, 1813, including Orders, &cc.

September 1813

September 1st day--Wednesday--Continued in camp, I visited Fort Amanda which stands on a handsome eminence on the west bank of the Auglaise - two sides of the fort is composed of cabbins, but it is commanded by rising ground near the fort on the N. west, its situation is not an eligible one for an obstinate defense, it ought to have been placed on the west bank opposite our camp - a deep ravine makes into the river below which is a high commanding piece of ground and a fine spring. There is a vast stock of provisions and military stores which we are to take with us I much fear our movements will be retarded - all things remain in statu [sic] quo.

Sept. 2nd--In camp in ease and idleness Col. Rh. & J. Johnsons came on from St. Marys, we spent a considerable part of this day in learning military evolutions and mustering - both officers and men appear anxious to discharge their duty and learn every thing necessary in discipline for the good of the present campaign.

Sept. 3rd--Very cool and frost. In camp by order of the Col. we drew five days rations including this day preparitory of marching orders, which we receaved for tomorrow on the road to Fort Meigs Crossing the Auglaise below Fort Jennings & leave Fort Winchester on the left and in the evening the officers were collected at the Cols. Tent and the following order of march & line of battle given, viz:

Head Quarters, Camp near Amanda -
Sept. 3rd, 1813 -

     The mounted Regiment shall march in five lines, Capts. McAfee and Matson will form the Right column, Capts. Elliston & Warfield the Right Flank - Capts. STucker and Davidson the left column, Capts Colmbs and Rice the left flank, Capts. Coleman & Hamilton the Centre column. The Majors will lead their respective Battallions, each column will keep distance from the other two hundred yards. The march shall be governed from the Centre Column. Each Flank will furnish videts to its line of March. The companies under Capts. Church, Berry & Reading shall compose the front guard & the spys to the Regt. They shall encamp within the lines. The encampment of the Regt. shall be a hollow square. In case of an attack at night each line shall maintain its ground at --?-- and in case of necessity, at any point, reinforcements will be furnished. In case of attack in the line of march, the front guard will maintain their ground until the line of Battle can be formed, retreat to the rear and form themselves as in line of march. Capt. Church will then flank to the Right, Capt. Reading to the left, and Capt. Berry will remain for orders in the centre. The line of Battle shall be formed upon the heads of the right & left column, Capts. McAfee & Stucker shall wheel to the right & left until the vacancy between them is closed the Remainder of each company shall file in to the right & left extending the line from the centre Capt. Matson will unite with & extend the line made by Capt. McAfee to the right Capt Davidson shall unite with and extend the line formed by Capt. Stucker to the left, Capt. Elliston will hang at Right Angles in column with the line of Battle at the Junction of the line formed by McAfee and Matson, remaining twenty paces in the Rear. Capt. Combs will hang at Right Angles at the Junction of the line formed by Stucker & Davidson, Capt. Coleman will halt in column at Right Angles with the line of Battle in the Centres at the Junction of McAfee & Stuckers line each column remaining twenty paces in the Rear Capt. Warfield will march upon the right of Capt. Elliston forming with him a column of double files. Capt. Rice will march upon the left of Capt. Combs forming with him a column of double files. Capt. Hamilton will march upon the right of Capt. Coleman forming with him a column of double files, these double files shall form three chargeing columns to form the line of Battle in the rear of the Enemy by wheeling to the right and left. Should a general retreat of the enemy make this impracticable each column shall display to the right and left and fall upon the enemy.
     Majr. D. Payne shall lead the right column, Majr. D. Thompson the left & the Col. the Centre column. The charging column will act principally on horseback.

(Signed) Rh. M. Johnson
Col. Regt. M. V.

Sept. 4th--After Breakfast five companies of us besides Capt. Church and Reddings Spy companies took up our line of march, viz: Capt. Rice, Elliston, Coleman, Hamilton, and myself, we had to detail 4 men from each company to open the road which was much obstructed by logs and brush for the waggons which have to be escorted we came on about ten miles and campt on the bank of the Auglaise in a flatt - fine pleasant weather.
     Mr. Levi Gritten sick & like to die. Before we started had election Wm. Sharp & D. Adams promoted & G. McAfee ensign.

Sept. 5th--Started after breakfast and came on to Fort Jennings where we got 12 tents, this place is nearly evacuated only 14 men at it. The situation is not handsome we halted a short time. I had the superintendence of the road it was very muddy & difficult for waggons to travel we passed this fort about nine miles and campt on the bank of the Auglaise a high clay bank which had washed away considerably our movements are slow, but as fast as the nature of the case will Admit. Our prospects are flattering.

Sept. 6th--We were detained in camp by losing horses until 8 o'clock when we again marched and got to Fort Brown at the mouth of the little Auglaise which empties in on the west side, to dinner, where we all crossed the River the bank on the east side had to be dug considerably - opposite and around this place is fine rich land with handsome sugar camps, we then march thro the Bottom on the east side of the Auglaise about 4 miles & campt on the Bank of the River at the mouth of the second branch on high ground, up which brance about two hundred yards is a fine sulphur spring the water which runs from it of a Bluish milky colour about thirty steps below which is another whose water is an black as Ink - This place is resorted much by Deer as a lick - here we lost three horses.

Sept. 7th--Detained in camp sometime waiting for our lost horses which were not found. Then marched again and in five miles struck upon open prararie [sic] ground & in three miles struck a large creek with very high clay Bank on the north side of which we campt in a prararie intermixed with groves and fine grass we got to this place about twelve o'clock which is only two miles from Fort Winchester intending to stay until the waggons arrive or at Winchester. At night raining and wet.

Sept. 8th--In camp raining wet and disagreeable. Our Field officers all with us. We spent the day in scouting parties and arranging our camp business. Several Indian trails were discovered, and I have no doubt are now lurking about us.
     The following order was issued by Col. Rh. M. Johnson--

     The Captain of each company will permit his men to discharge their guns by platoons at one time & then no person shall load his gun or permit it to be loaded unless by an order from the commanding officer of the Regt. or Detachment under the penalty of being dismissed the service in disgrace or suffer the penalties & punishments of a court Martial this order shall be proclaimed by each Captain to his men.
Camp on Rainy Creek
2 miles above Fort WInchester--
(Signed) Rh. M. Johnson, Col. Rgt. M.V.

The following order was issued in Camp near Amanda, Sept. 3rd, 1813--

     The spy companies will start early on Saturday morning Towards the Rapids by Defiance, leaving sd place on the left, and keep in Advance of the whole Regt. a considerable distance. Majr. Thompson will also proceed on the same point at the same time with the following companies, viz--Capt. McAfees, Ellistons, Colemans, Rices & Hamiltons in Advance of the Packhorses & waggons to open the Road, If any part should require it and as a front guard, axes will be furnished for the purpose and when the whole detachment cannot be employed at the same time the oldest company shall be first put on fatigue and then according to seniority. Anthony Shane will proceed with Majr. Thompson as a guide to mark the way, the whole Detachment will proceed on and find an encampment at a creek two miles from the crossing of the Auglaise towards the Maumee & wait the coming of the Regt.
(Signed) Rh. M. Johnson, Col. R. M. V.

Sept. 9th--Pleasant weather-After early breakfast we moved our encampment to the crossing of the Auglaize two miles and campt on the west side thereof on the same ground where we campt June last half a mile above Fort Winchester, where there was fine grass for our horses. The Indians had fired at the men of this fort several times in a few weeks and hit the Capt. Mr. Gray in the left shoulder. We arranged our camp and drew rations for the company.

Sept. 10th--Fine pleasant times - The greater part of the Regt. mustered near the fort and went thro a sham fight agreeable to the plan laid down by the Col. in his order of Sept. 3rd - and in the evening the following order was issued.

Camp near Fort Winchester
10th Sept., 1813

Information has been receaved that Flour, Whiskey Salt &c are not very plenty at Camp Meigs such Articles therefore that can be furnished at this post will be drawn in as great abundance as the different companies can take to the Rapids conveniently having in view our slow marches which cannot exceed ten or twelve miles per day Bacon will be furnished for at least five days at this post which the pack horses have brought up. The Quarter Master & Quarter Master Sergt. will attend to this matter as application is made. The companies are recommended to take at least 8 or 10 days Rations from garrison of the above articles mentioned, as it may prevent the men from being put on half Rations when the Regt. arrives at the Rapids. The Advance guard under the comman of Majr. Jams Suggett will furnish a company to Flank at least one mile and a half to the left during the march of the Regt. a party of ten to twenty to lie in ambush several hours at the camp when the Regt. commences its march. The commander of the advance guard will keep about a mile & from that to one mile in front of the Regt. and always to keep a part of three or four in advance of them who shall always waylay the road until night, then Return to camp also a like party shall be stationed in the Rear to lie in ambush on the back tract until night then to come up to the encampment. The waggons will encamp at Camp No 3 tomorrow night and three spy companies will also encamp at that place to guard them. Next morning, viz - Sunday the 13th Inst. early the Regt. will take up its line of March.

(Signed) RH. M. JOHNSON, Regt. M. V.

This Order set us all in preparation and the waggons which had been coming on under Capt. Davidson came up and encampt in the flatt on the east side of the mouth of the Auglaise opposite Fort Winchester ready to cross the River on tomorrow.

Sept. 11th -- In this evening the Regt. moved camp again across the Auglaize and campt round the waggons opposite Fort Winchester in a fine Blue grass field which was in corn when Waynes Army moved on in 1794.

Sept. 12th -- The Regt. marched in regular order & crossed the Maumee below the fort and halted a few minutes at Camp No 3 where the Indians had burnt ten or fifteen waggons - there appeared to have been 8 or ten of them and from appearances had discovered our movements we continued on down the river three miles to an old blue grass field where we campt for the night the waggons & pack horses also coming up.

Sept. 13th -- Marched early and got to a fine dry encampment 4 miles above Wolf-town or Prararie De Roche where we staid all night & made complete Breast works, the waggons did not come up until dark - nothing material happend all peace & quietness g. d.

Sept. 14th -- Started early and got to Wolf Town to Breakfast this place is evacuated & all the houses burnt we then pursued our march until we arrived at an encampment one mile above the head of the rapids where there is the appearance of old picketing and campt all night and fortified ourselves, our march was only 11 miles this day the road being rough, but the weather was fine and pleasant, times are favorable.

Sept. 15th -- Marched early and marched on until we came to Roche De Boo and campt on a fine open Ridge about one mile below with an open prararie on each side near the place where Wayne made his fort - Deposite, it is all overgrown with undergrush, and in the evening we were visited by the officers of the Fort Meigs who informed us that on the 10th our fleet on Lake Eri had swept nearly all the British vessels which gave us great joy, we had the Regt. paraded and fired a salute, every heart was open with rejoicing, this victory has opened a door for the N. W. Army to enter into Canada, never has anything happened so fortunate. Heaven smiles upon us in this quarter, and a vast field of commercial & political greatness rises in prospect before us --

Sept. 16th -- Early we marched 6 miles to Fort Meigs and campt in the Island above the Fort which was covered with blue grass. No particular information had arrived. I was joined by two of my men who were sick when I left home pvt. J. Buston & B (?) Hall. We understood that Govr. Shelby with his troops were at Lower Sandusky on his march to the Lake where our fleet had arrived after their late fight. In the evening marching orders arrived for the Fort and all hands went to loading boats and we were ordered to move camp in the flatt below the old British garrison for the protection of the stores of the Fort which were carried their in boats to be carried over to Canada in our larger vessels. We got to our camp after dark and had hard work to secure our horses, they were alarmed in the night and many of them ran off. My company lost but few - boats and men were busy all night loading & unloading boats which looks like a speedy move to Malden - an Express arrived from Genl. Harrison to move on everything.

Sept. 17th -- We spent the day in guarding & securing the military stores and putting our arms in order. I was again officer of the day and we moved our camp on a high bank at the lower end of the flat or Prararie in which we lay about 3/4 of a mile I campt on the bank near a small ravine. Cornstalk a Shawanoe Indian came in from the River Rezin with two Frenchmen who gave an account that the Indians were crossing to the Malden side of the lake and that many of them were going off. This if true will facilitate our movements. The troops of the N. W. Army are fast concentrating at the mouth of the Maumee & portage River.

Sept. 18th -- early a heave cannonading was heard in our camp on the lake, and three gun boats one of which was in the late lake fight came up opposite our camp and took in the military stores of the army an important crisis is fast approaching the cannonading heard was from our scooners one of which the Somers of four guns anchored near our encampment, each of the vessels had two masts. I was on board the Porcupine and near the Tigris both of which had a 32 pounder on board these were part of the ships that so gloriously conquered the Queen Charlotte, Brig Hunter, Lady Prevost and 3 others on Lake Eri the 10th Inst. They are strong and well built. Lt. Senat & several other officers who were engaged in the fight who were in the fight visited our encampment and Breast works, great Harmony and friendship prevailed. A new Era in our war appears to have commenced, the smiles of an approving Providence inspires us which confidence . . . The vessels were all loaded at sundown & stretched their sails again down the river preceded by about 1300 regulars and Malitia some of whom went in boats & others on the land on the south margin of the river, a party of French was sent to the River Rezin headed by Lt. Griffith. fine pleasant weather.

Sept. 19th -- Up at half after 4 o'clock early in the morning & barges returned from the scooners and took the ballance of the stores from our camp, and the ballance of the day was spent in strengthening our breast works. in the evening an express arrived from Genl. Harrison informing us that he would call on us in a few days to Detroit and to hold ourselves in readiness at a moments warning this infused new life into every man of the Regt. who felt the Interest of his country at heart . . . in the night several Indian Spys were shot at by our centry in attempting to enter our lines, the Regt. was paraded in a moment and every thing put in readiness for a fight our Regt. is getting sickly.

Sept. 20th -- Pleasant weather, about ten o'clock Lieut. Griffy of Capt. Reddings Spy company returned to camp, bringing with him an Indian prisoner of the Shawanoe tribe belonging to the Prophets party and one of his principal warriors, he was immediately examined by the Col. Rh. M. Johnson, he was told that one lie would cost him his life. he gave information that the Indians were apprised of our march and were preparing to meet us at River Huron two miles this side of Brownstown, and that all the nations except the Shawanoes, Wyandots & Miamis were bent on fighting to the utmost extremity, that the British had concealed the loss of the fleet from the Indians and that he rather expected that they would abandon Malden - that the Indians were about 1650 strong and had sent out runners for more, he detailed precisely the events of the various Battles we had fought, and that the Indians had sustained much Injury in Dudleys defeat, an attempt was made by a Mr Logan a private in Capt. Davidsons company to kill the Indian whose name was Missiletana, it was the cause of much uneasiness and a Court Martial was ordered over him but upon reflection the Col. dropped the measure, the Indian was tyed in our camp and a guard put over him, an express with the information above was immediately sent off to Genl. Harrison who lies with the principal army at the mouth of the Portage River - fine pleasant weather -

Sept. 21st -- We moved our camp about nine o'clock up to the Island in the River above Fort Meigs on the account of grass for our horses where we finished a temporary breast work of Brush, we are all anxiety to know our fate and destination - we drew two days rations of Bacon, and commenced baking biscuit for our march -

Sept. 22nd -- Pleasant weather - we drew some flour for the Fort not very good & Col. Anderson of the State of Ohio arrived from Portage River, that Genl. Harrison with his whole fleet had passed over to an Island in the lake preparatory of a descent upon Canada & that our Spy vessels had discovered a great smoke at or near Malden - Spys were sent out in different directions and Cornstalk a Shawanoe, who has proffed great friendship for us & whose uncle we now have prisoner left us and went home, we have 24 Delawares and eight Shawanoes now with our Regt. and for my part there are few of them I can trust as their friends and relations are opposed to us. I was in Fort Meigs in the evening which is contracted to half an acre from seven acres - time glides off swiftly - egobus d -

Sept. 23rd -- Cold and chilly in the morning about 12 oclock Capt. Coleman Returned from Genl. Harrisons camp and left him with the greater part of his army in the midst of the lake going from the first Island from the mouth of Portage River across to Canada, to the third Island called the three Sisters, that all were in high spirits and that we could be called on in a few days to co-operate with him. Our Regt. appears to be treated with some degree of neglect - the expectations of the Regt. are high and in the evening Lt. Cardwell & twenty-five men were sent to Lower Sandusky for thirty beeves [1], he intended to go as far as Portage River - pleasant evening - ego bgd. I wrote my 16 No. on the Conquest of Canada & sent it to Kentucky ---

Sept. 24th -- We strengthened our breastwork & had four cannon brought from Fort Meigs and had a Battery cleard out at each corner of our encampment with [sic] we dignified with the name of Camp Thompson. In the night a connonading was heard down the River - our anticipations are high for the success of our foot-army with Genl. Harrison. We could not ask of Heaven a greater display of fine winds and weather.

Sept. 25th -- Up early & after breakfast the following order was issued by Col. Johnson -

Camp at Fort Meigs, Sept. 25th, 1813

Capt. Hamilton will march after Capt. McAfee & Capt. Matson after Capt. Elliston, in consequence of the derangement Occasioned by the absence of Capt. Warfield. The Cannon shall march in front of the Centre Column, also the ammunition Waggons - All the other Baggage shall march in the rear of the Centre Column. Capt. Elijah Craig & Capt. Saml Turner Commanding each of them a piece of artillery shall be attached to the 1st Battalion - Capt. Laurence Sanford & Capt. Mordecai Gist each Commanding a piece of Artillery shall be attached to the 2nd Battallion. In the line of march Capt. Craig shall march his Cannon in front, Capt. Sanford next, Capt. Turner next and Capt. Gist next. Each Company marching on the flank of the Artillery waggon belong to each Capt.; when the road or woods admit, the artillery Waggons shall march in two columns. In case of alarm in the march, the artillery will form the line of battle in the Centre. Capt. Craig & Turner on the Right, & Capts. Sanford & Gist on the left. In the encampment Capt. Craig shall plant his Cannon on the right frong angle, Capt. Turner at the Right Rear angle, Capt. Sanford at the left angle, Capt. Gist the left rear angle. The spies shall encamp in order, Capt. Church on the right Capt. Redding on the left & Capt. Berry parallel with the front line of the Regt. encampment, at a convenient distance making an imperfect hollow square, each individual of the Regt. will immediately furnish himself in readiness at a moments warning to march to the River Rezin & Detroit, all of the dismounted men shall be mounted on Horseback, by being furnished with pack horses & commandants of companies will make a report of the numbers of lost horses & draw pack horses. The men are recommended to take part of their Breadstuff in Biscuit & part in flour - The Soldiers are prohibited from going two hundred yards from the encampment without their guns neither are they in any case to be permitted to leave camp without leave of the commanding officer of the company to which he belongs, or the officer of the day. In no case will any officer allow a muskett to be fired without the most evident necessity & to prevent unnecessary shooting each Capt. will cause the Cartridge Box of each Individual to be daily examined & report such as may have thus improperly wasted their ammunition. Hereafter the field officers shall camp in order viz - the Col. having taken his position the Lieut. Col. shall encamp on the left the First Major to the right of the Col. & the 2nd Major to the left of the Lt. Col. & the staff & in the rear of his line of encampment - The Surgeon and Surgeons mate in some convenient place in the vicinity of the field officers. Tatto shall be regularly blown at nine o'clock by order of the officer of the day at which time the greatest order shall prevail. Horses tied up, the bells stopped or taken off. There shall be a watchword given to the army every night & remain as such until is given these several orders shall be executed by the officer of the day, the Capts. will make this order known to his men as soon as possible.

(Signed) RH. M. JOHNSON, Col. R. M. V.
Camp Thompson, Sept. 25th, 1813

Soon after this order was promulgated the companies were paraded and had their arms inspected by the Capt. of the Artificers, and about two hours by sun in the evening an express arrived from Genl. Harrison with orders to march our regiment on to the River Rezin, which infused life & animation into every part of our preparatory measures & we immediately commenced drawing ten days Rations, but owing to the pickled beef being so bad we only got five days of beef & many of the messes scarcely took any part of it. We got two days Rations of Biscuit which kept us till dark.

Sept. 26th -- Sunday - At daylight we drew eight days Rations of flour and marched from our encampment about eight o'clock (Lieut. Cardwell Returned last evening without any beeves) and took four six pound cannon with us and marched past our former encampment which was called Camp Payne and made tolerable good speed and got to a large creek - called 18 mile creek having passed a creek at six miles called the little swan creek and big swan creek at 12 miles distance. We campt on the south side of the creek in an open prararie with some little scattering timber, after dark about half an hour Capt. Church with some of his Spies fired upon a man supposed to be an Indian and then retreated to camp. It caused considerable alarm in camp and every preparation to meet an attack was made. This camp is well situated to repel any attempt by the Indians --

Sept. 27th -- Marched at sun rise passing thro an open prararie country with some timbered land and in about five miles we got to 7 or 8 houses scattered thro the prararie where there was several wheat stacks of tolerable good wheat, and then in 7 miles farther we came to a thick settlement some fine houses and farms and Barns full of wheat scattered thro the skirts of woods & prararie and in three miles further we came to the bones of 13 or 14 of our countrymen killed at the River Rezin the 22nd of January last and which had been interred by Col. Johnson the 29th of June last, the Indians having Dug them up. (they cry aloud for revenge). The bones of men lay at intervals for three miles until we came to the River Rezin and camp on the east side of it opposite Winchesters battle-ground. The chimneys of the houses in which the Indians burnt our wounded prisoners and their bones burnt to cinders yet lie open to the calls of vindictive Justice of a much injured country. As soon as we took up camp an Express from Genl. Harrison met Col. Johnson with the Information that Malden was burnt to ashes which gave us some satisfaction and that the British had retreated he knew not where - We had strong Picketts round our camp - two Indians had been in the town in the morning but fled at our approach. This town contains about thirty houses chiefly frame & is a handsome place but at this time entirely deserted except a few French who are obliged to side with the Indians.

Sept. 28th -- In the morning as soon as the Regt. could get ready after a very wet night & storms of thunder & lightning as if the Prince of the Power of the air (to use an old proverb) was invited at our approach to scenes of Bloodshed - upon inquiry of Shane, our interpreter if he knew where Capt. John Simpson was killed he pointed to the place and I went with Col. Rh. & Jas. Johnson & found his bones & buried them at the Right hand end of the lane in which so many of our poor fellows was killed. Three Hickory sapline stood round his grave which I cut three notches on each facing it & Doct. Ewing cut Letters J. S. on the sapline. I was then detached to take 100 men and go on to the River Huron where the Indians were expected to fight us 12 miles from the River Rezin. We got to the river two hours in advance of the Regt. and found that the Bridges which had been built by Hull was broken down. We immediately commenced repairing it and constructing a raft to carry over our cannon and waggons we got some rafts ready and the greater part of the Regt. crossed over and campt on a ridge running towards the lake (which is in sight) when an Express returned with the news that Malden was not burnt and we spent several uneasy hours we saw two or three ships going on down the lake the weather is fine and pleasant -

Sept. 29th -- Left Huron after making a bridge more permanent and had great difficulty in crossing a marsh near the river we then in two 1/2 miles passed an Indian cornfield skirted Malden which was in sight which gave us some satisfaction as we ascertained certainly that it was burnt we then in half a mile farther got to Brownstown so much famed in the late war which contains ten or fifteen houses scattering and several large Indian camps round it which is chiefly white oak land. We there met an Express from Genl. Harrison that he was only five miles from Detroit. We then pushed on rapidly thro some fine land and handsome farms to the River where the Indians had thrown down the bridge and had waylaid us the night before along some picketing we here met Capt. Warfields company who had repaired our bridge and we passed on 3 miles to the River Rouche where we arrived about one hour after night and campt in a field adjoining the River. Our Spys were fired on across the river. Maj. Trigg was sent with five companies to our aid as the Indians threatended to attack us and a negro named Taylor and his wife a white woman came in after dark having left 2 or 3 hundred Indians only half hour previously. A council of War was held by the Col. and Captains including Maj. Trigg of the Regulars in which it was concluded to attack the Indians in the morning early this was abandoned on second consideration because it was probable Genl. Harrison had other views for us. We kept strict guard all night. The Indians wish to make peace as they know they are unable to fight us.

Sept. 30th -- Thursday - Started early and carried our plunder across in boats and swam our horses when we were nearly all over information was brought that a number of Indians were seen crossing the river above us in order to give battle. The Regt. immediately marched on and formed for battle each company in lines ready to flank to the right and left near some Indian wigwams which are scattered at intervalls from Brownstown to Detroit at which place we arrived about twelve o'clock being detained in getting our waggons across. When we entered Detroit every heart beat High in the cause of his country the inhabitants receaved us with looks of pleasure & feeling inexpressible every eye beamed with gratitude to an all wise Providence who is fast turning the tide of war we campt in the Plain north of the fort which was yet smoking in Ruins the British Genl. Proctor & Col. Elliot having only left it on the night of the 28th having set fire to nearly two hundred houses some handsome brick and frame houses as any in Kentucky but at present it bears the marks of ruin and destruction the greater part of the houses are without owners and doors and windows broken down. We have 9 of our vessels amongst which the Niagara stands chief with American colors waving in the River which is truly a flattering sight to Kentuckians. The sun set in its Meridian splendor after a rainy day with a clear and cool night. In the evening I visited the Fort Detroit and it contains about two acres & of such strength that Hull must have been a traitor or an infamous coward to have surrendered it in the manner he did. The country round the place is a plain as far as I could see with scrubby oak timber & sandy soil from this place you have a handome view of Sandwich on the Canadian shore now occupied by Genl. Harrison & Govn. Shelbys troops we had orders to immediately cross the River into Sandwich but after marching the Regt. to the water edge we had to Return to our camp and stay all night. Our marching orders arrived before we had unsaddled. The people of Detroit were kind to us in the General.

Thus far a kind Providence has conducted us with a high hand and an outstretched arm, & may he continue his favors, the winds and elements have wafted our ships to victory and immortal honor, and as the communication is now cut off between the Indians & British I hope our Government will never Relinquish the country but foster all extension of Enterprise by settling this country which one day is to become a great place for commerce and trade which can be brought to the doors of the houses.


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  • Transcriber's Notes:

    1. "Beeves": a rarely-used plural form of "beef".


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