American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
138 |
INDIAN AFFAIRS. |
1791.] |
unavoidable: for not a horse was left alive to have drawn it off, had it
otherwise been practicable. But the most disgraceful part of the business is
that the greatest part of the men threw away their arms and accoutrements, even
after the pursuit, which continued about four miles, had ceased. I found the
road strewed with them for many miles, but was not able to remedy it: for,
having had all my horses killed, and being mounted upon one that could not be
pricked out of a walk, I could not get forward myself; and the orders I sent
forward, either to halt the front, or to prevent the men from parting with
their arms, were unattended to. The rout continued quite to fort Jefferson,
twenty-nine miles, which was reached a little after sun-setting. The action began
about half an hour before sun-rise, and the retreat was attempted at a half an
hour after nine o'clock. I have not yet been able to get returns of the killed
and wounded; but Major General Butler, Lieutenant Colonel Oldham, of the
militia, Major Ferguson, Major Heart, and Major Clarke, are among the former;
Colonel Sargent, my Adjutant General, Lieutenant Colonel Dark, Lieutenant
Colonel Gibson, Major Butler, and the Viscount Malartie, who served me as an
aid-de-camp, are among the latter, and a great number of captains and
subalterns in both.
I have now, sir, finished my melancholy tale- a tale that will be felt sensibly by every one that has sympathy for private distress, or for public misfortune. I have nothing, sir, to lay to the charge of the troops, but their want of discipline, which, from the short time they had been in service, it was impossible they should have acquired, and which rendered it very difficult, when they were thrown into confusion, to reduce them again to order, and is one reason why the loss has fallen so heavy upon the officers, who did every thing in their power to effect it. Neither were my own exertions wanting; but, worn down with illness, and suffering under a painful disease, unable either to mount or dismount a horse without assistance, they were not so great as they otherwise would, and perhaps ought to have been. We were overpowered by numbers; but it is no more than justice to observe, that, though composed of so many different species of troops, the utmost harmony prevailed through the whole army during the campaign.
At fort Jefferson, I found the first regiment, which had returned from the service they had been sent upon, without either overtaking the deserters, or meeting the convoy of provisions. I am not certain, sir, whether I ought to consider the absence of this regiment from the field action, as fortunate or otherwise. I incline to think it was fortunate: for, I very much doubt whether, had it been in the action, the fortune of the day had been turned; and if it had not, the triumph of the enemy would have been more complete, and the country would have been destitute of every means of defence.
Taking a view of the situation of our broken troops at fort Jefferson, and that there was no provision in the fort, I called upon the field officers, viz. Lieutenant Colonel Dark, Major Hamtramck, Major Zeigler, and Major Gaither, together with the adjutant general, for their advice what would be proper further to be done; and it was their unanimous opinion, that the addition of the first regiment, unbroken as it was, did not put the army on so respectable a foot as it was in the morning, because a great part of it was now unarmed; that it had been then found unequal to the enemy, and should they come on, which was probable, would be found so again. That the troops could not be thrown into the fort, both because it was too small, and that there were no provisions in it. That provisions were known to be upon the road, at the distance of one, or at most two marches; that, therefore, it would be proper to move, without loss of time, to meet the provisions, when the men might have the sooner opportunity of some refreshment, and that a proper detachment might be sent back with it, to have it safely deposited in the fort. This advice was accepted, and the army was put in motion again at ten o'clock, and marched all night, and the succeeding day met with a quantity of flour. Part of it was distributed immediately, part taken back to supply the army on the march to fort Hamilton, and the remainder, about fifty horse loads, sent forward to fort Jefferson. The next day, a drove of cattle was met with for the same place, and I have information that both got in. The wounded who had been left at that place, were ordered to be brought here by the return horses.
I have said, sir, in a former part of this letter, that we were overpowered by numbers. Of that, however, I have no other evidence but the weight of the fire, which was always a most deadly one, and generally delivered from the ground- few of the enemy shewing themselves afoot, except when they were charged; and that, in a few minutes, our whole camp, which extended above three hundred and fifty yards in length, was entirely surrounded, and attacked on all quarters.
The loss, sir, the public has sustained by the fall of so many officers, particularly General Butler and Major Ferguson, cannot be too much regretted; but it is a circumstance that will alleviate the misfortune in some measure, that all of them fell most gallantly doing their duty. I have had very particular obligations to many of them, as well as to the survivors, but to none more than to Colonel Sargent. He has discharged the various duties of his office with zeal, with exactness, and with intelligence, and on all occasions, afforded me every assistance in his power, which I have also experienced from my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Denny, and the Viscount Malartie, who served with me in the station as a volunteer.
|
With every sentiment of respect and regard, I have
the honor to be, sir, your most obedient
servant, |
The Honorable Major General Knox, Secretary of War.
P.S. Some orders that had been given to Colonel Oldham over night, and which were of much consequence, were not executed; and some very material intelligence was communicated by Captain Hough to General Butler, in the course of the night, before the action, which was never imparted to me, nor did I hear of it until after my arrival here.
______
List of the killed and wounded Officers in the battle of the 4th of November, 1791.
KILLED.
|
Major General |
Richard Butler. |
Captains . . . |
Piatt, |
Lieutenant . . . |
Lickins. |
WOUNDED.
|
Lieut. Colonels |
Gibson, |
Captain . . . . |
Hough. |
Adjutants . . . |
Whistler, |
American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
146 |
INDIAN AFFAIRS. |
1791.] |
The great object of your long journey is, to impress the said Miami and Wabash
Indians with the candor and justice of the General Government. That the United
States require only that they would demean themselves peaceably.
That, if they should refuse to listen to this invitation, they only will be liable for the evil which will fall upon and crush them.
This invitation is not made in consequence of any principles of fear, but from a desire to pluck them, if possible, out of the fire, which is already enkindled.
The message which is herewith delivered you, will show you the sentiments expressed to them, and you: and the Indians who may accompany you, are to say all that may be proper to enforce said sentiments.
You have been informed of the measures taken with the Cornplanter, Big-Tree, and Half-Town, and other Senecas, who were in this city lately, to go to the said Miami and Wabash Indians, with messages from their own nation, or similar import with the one with which you are charged.
You will, therefore, immediately repair to the Cornplanter's residence, which is upon a branch of the Alleghany river, near the creek called Oil Creek, and make known to him your intentions, and deliver him the speech herewith delivered you for the Senecas, and others of the Six Nations.
It is possible he may not be at home, in which case it will be important to despatch, instantly, runners for him: or in case he should be counselling at Buffalo creek, with the other parts of the nation, it may be proper for you to repair thither.
You are to endeavor, by all possible means, to induce the Cornplanter, and as many other of the chiefs as possible, to go with you upon your mission to the Miami and Wabash Indians; and you will remember, that it is of the highest importance that you should set off without the least delay.
Having obtained, as companions, the chiefs of the Senecas, and others, you will proceed by land or water, as shall be judged best, to Sandusky, upon lake Erie, where reside the Wyandot and Delaware tribes of Indians. These tribes are our friends, and in treaty with us, which, as far as is known, has been well observed by them.
You have also herewith delivered to you, two messages, one to each of the said tribes, written by General St. Clair, who made the treaties with them at Fort Harmar, in January, 1789.
You will inform them of the object of your journey, and desire that they will appoint some of their chiefs to accompany you, agreeably to the general desire in his messages.
You will proceed from the Wyandots and Delawares, directly to the Miami town, where you will assemble the Indians together, and speak to them in the style beforementioned.
If you succeed in persuading them to accompany you to fort Washington, you will set out immediately with them, sending Captain Houdin, and such chiefs of all the tribes present, as shall be agreed upon, to the Wea or Ouiatanon towns, on the Wabash, and to the other tribes on that river and its vicinity, in order to persuade them also to repair to a treaty at fort Washington.
But, if, after using all your arguments to induce the Miami Indians to repair to fort Washington, you should fail, you must leave them, and with the friendly Indians who may accompany you, repair to fort Washington.
Let it be strongly impressed upon your mind, that every moment after you set out upon your journey must be most industriously employed: for you must, if within the limits of possibility, be at fort Washington by the 5th of May next, whether you succeed or not. This is of the highest importance, as it is connected with collateral arrangements.
The great retardment to be apprehended, will be at the Cornplanter's residence, or other parts of the Seneca nation; but you will endeavor to render your stay as short as possible.
A knowledge of your character induces a confidence, that you will execute the high trust reposed in you with all due despatch and address.
Your mission requires an acquaintance with human nature, and the art of managing the hopes and fears of an uncivilized race of men. You will be careful not to promise more than is reasonable to the Indians who may accompany you, and all your promises of that sort shall be complied with.
Your business with the Miami and Wabash Indians will be to persuade them to repair to fort Washington, where they shall be treated kindly and justly; but you are not authorized to particularize to them any terms.
Considering the nature of the service, it is proper to be explicit as to the terms you are to receive from the public, which are as follow:
1st. Your reasonable expenses shall be borne by the public, and upon this point you will be careful to set down your expenses daily, in order that a judgment may be formed thereon, when your accounts are to be settled.
2d. As a reward for your services, you shall be allowed the sum of five dollars for each day, while you are actually employed on this business.
3d. If you succeed in bringing the real chiefs of the Miami and the Wabash Indians to a treaty at fort Washington, you shall receive the further sum of five hundred dollars.
4th. In case you should, in the course of the business, be wounded, or disabled from obtaining a livelihood by your personal exertions, attempts will be made to obtain for you a pension of a lieutenant colonel commandant, wounded in the service of the United States.
5th. And in case you should unfortunately lose your life in the course of this business, the same attempts will be made to obtain the pension of seven years' half-pay of a lieutenant-colonel commandant, to your orphan children.
Captain Michael Gabriel Houdin, a French officer of reputation, who served in the late war in the Massachusetts line, will accompany you in the prosecution of this business; and in case of any misfortune to you, by sickness or otherwise, he is to take these instructions, and pursue them, as if given to himself.
Captain Houdin is to be allowed his expenses, and two dollars per day, as a reward for his services. And in case he should be wounded or disabled, endeavors shall be used to obtain him a pension of a captain, wounded in the military service of the United States.
I have issued my warrant upon Joseph Howell, to pay you six hundred dollars, on account of your and Captain Houdin's expenses, and for which sum you are regularly to account.
Your route will be from this city to Sunbury, and thence, either directly for that part of the Alleghany where the Cornplanter lives, or to Tioga Point, as you may find best. If you go through Wyoming, inquire for a Captain Baldwin, who has agreed to keep school among the Senecas, on account of the United States.
You will consider your business as a secret, and enjoin the same on Captain Houdin.
Provided you should bring the Indians to fort Washington, you will stay there no longer than the treaty shall be accomplished; upon which, you and Captain Houdin will return with all convenient speed to this city.
You will keep a journal of your daily occurrences, and deliver me a copy thereof, when you shall deliver the report of your proceedings.
Given at the War Office of the United States, in the city of Philadelphia, this 11th day of March, 1791.
|
H. KNOX, Secretary of War. |
______
Message from the Secretary of War to the Miami Indians.
To the Head-men and Warriors of the tribes of
Indians of the Miami town, and its neighborhood, and inhabiting
the waters of the Miami river of lake Erie; and to the tribes
inhabiting the waters of the river Wabash.
BROTHERS:
The President of the United States, General Washington, the great chief of the Thirteen Fires, speaks to you by this address. Listen attentively to him, for he speaks of things of the highest importance to your future welfare. The white men and the red men inhabit the same country, and ought to be good friends; but the contrary has been the case. Continued hostilities have subsisted, and the last year many lives were sacrificed on both sides. This address
American State Papers,
Indian Affairs,
March 3, 1789 to March 3, 1815.
vol. 1.
|
1791.] |
THE NORTHWESTERN TRIBES. |
147 |
to you is the offering of a desire to save you from ruin; it is, therefore, of
the last consequence, that you should understand and receive it aright. It is
unmixed with fear, and dictated by the pure principles of humanity.
The President of the United States is anxious that you should understand your true situation, and the consequences of your persisting any longer in the exercise of hostilities. The United States are powerful, and able to send forth such numbers of warriors as would drive you entirely out of the country. It is true, this conduct would ocasion some trouble to us, but it would be absolute destruction to you, your women, and your children.
The United States require nothing of you but peace. Nay, they are desirous of making you understand the cultivation of the earth, and teaching you how much better it is for human kind to have comfortable houses, to have plenty to eat and drink, and to be well clothed, than to be exposed to all the calamities belonging to a savage life. The offer of peace now made to you is for your good, and the Great Spirit above will approve it.
Reflect that this is the last offer that can be made: that, if you do not embrace it now, your doom must be sealed for ever.
Receive, then, the bearers, Colonel Procter, Captain Houdin, and our Indian allies who accompany them, with open arms.
After having pondered well upon the contents of this address, and what may be further said to the same purpose, call in your parties, and fly, with all your head-men, to fort Washington, at the Miami of the Ohio. Also, send messengers to all the neighboring tribes to come to the same place, and there make and ratify a firm peace with General St. Clair, the great officer of the United States on the Western waters.
You will find the terms he shall dictate will be full of justice, moderation, and humanity.
You are now the only tribes with whom the United States have any disputes. The powerful Indian nations south of the Ohio, are our allies; the Six Nations of Northern Indians are at peace with us, and we are desirous of receiving you into the number of our friends, and to forget all the evil which has passed. If you refuse, all the nations will approve and justify your punishment.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 11th day of March, 1791.
|
H. KNOX, Secretary of War. |
______
Message from the Secretary of War to the Senecas.
BROTHERS:
Upon a late visit of the Cornplanter, and others of your nation, to the President of the United States, the Great Chief of the Thirteen Fires, it was agreed, that some of the chiefs of the Six Nations' should repair immediately to the Miami and Wabash Indians, in order to explain to them the danger of their situation.
That the United States desired of the said Indians only a peaceable conduct, and a regard to their own welfare. That it would be well-pleasing to the President of the United States, to embrace all the surrounding Indian nations as brothers, and to promote their happiness by acts of kindness.
That, while this was the sincere desire of the President of the United States, he was determined, that all future murders and invasions of the Indians should be punished severely.
The President of the United States is persuaded, that, if the Indians generally could see the kindness of his heart to them, and of his intentions to do them justice, they would, one and all, bury the red hatchet forever. He will, therefore, if obliged to chastise the disorderly Indians, feel all the pain that a kind father feels in chastising his disobedient children.
In order, therefore, that the Miami and Wabash Indians shall be without excuse, in the minds of the Six Nations, and other Indian tribes, the President of the United States has determined to send them a solemn warning of their fate, in case they continue their hostilities; and he has, for this purpose, sent Colonel Procter, the bearer, with whom you are acquainted.
The President requests that you will immediately set out with Colonel Procter, either by land or water, as shall be judged best. That you would call upon the Wyandots, and Delawares, our friends, and take some of them along with you to the Miami and Wabash Indians.
That you would endeavor to persuade the said Miami and Wabash Indians to accompany Colonel Proctor and you, to General St. Clair, the great chief of the United States on the Ohio, and there settle all disputes, on terms of reciprocal justice and humanity.
That, on your faithful performance of this business, you will be entitled to the approbation, friendship, and rewards, of the United States.
Given at the War Office of the United States, in the city of Philadelphia, this 10th of March, 1791.
|
H. KNOX, Secretary of War. |
______
Message from Governor St. Clair to the Half-king, and the Chiefs of the Wyandots.
BROTHERS:
When I was last at fort Harmar, I left a message for you, and one for the Ottawas and Chippewas. I hope you have received them, and found and opportunity to send them forward.
BROTHERS: It would have given me great pleasure to have seen you at fort Harmar, and to have taken you by the hand, in testimony of that friendship which the United States bear to your nation.
BROTHERS: I informed you last summer, that the continual depredations of the Shawanese, and the Miamies, had roused the resentment of the United States, and that they would no longer bear them. You know, my brothers, that evil did befal them. But, because they were not destroyed entirely, it has had no effect upon them; and they have since done mischief, and killed a number of defenceless women and children.
BROTHERS: The United States did not wish to destroy them; why should they? Is not the country large enough for both of us? But they hoped a little correction would have brought them to their senses, and that they might again have been received into friendship.
BROTHERS: Notwithstanding all the mischief those foolish nations have done, and some of those on the Wabash, they do not wish to destroy them now, and, upon proper submission, we might still be friends; and it is to let them know precisely the situation in which they stand, and the disposition which the United States are in towards them, that Colonel Procter, who will deliver this to you, is now sent to them. If they will hearken to him, well; if they will not, their blood be upon their own heads. The United States will no longer suffer their depredations, and, if they bring utter destruction upon them, they will be justified before the Great Spirit, and all the world.
BROTHERS: Colonel Procter is the messenger of peace to all nations. If they hearken to him, the tree we planted at the Muskingum will grow and flourish, and they may sit under its shade. If they will not hearken to him, keep yourselves at a distance, for ruin will surely overtake them.
BROTHERS: I recommend Colonel Procter to your friendship and good offices, and request that you will send some of your discreet people with him, and to interpret for him, if he should be in need of an interpreter.
|
Farewell: I am your assured
friend,
|
PHILADELPHIA, March 8, 1791.
Continue
to page 149.
Continue
to page 150.
Continue
to page 151.