“WM. H. HARRISON, “_Major-General Commanding_.” _31st._ General Harrison overtook the army between Lebanon and Dayton. He was received joyfully by all the troops as commander-in-chief, with three cheers. _September 1._ The army arrived at Dayton, fifty miles from Cincinnati, and was saluted by the firing of cannon. One of the men who were firing the cannon got one of his hands shot off, and the other badly wounded. We arrived at Piqua, September 3, thirty miles from Dayton, on the Big Miami. _4th._ Received information of the critical situation of Fort Wayne. Colonel Allen’s[B] regiment and two companies from Colonel Lewis’s, drew twenty-four rounds of ammunition, and started with all possible speed to the relief of that fort. _5th._ General Harrison having paraded the remaining part of the army in a circle in close order, delivered a speech to them, stating that he had just received intelligence from Fort Wayne; that it was in great danger of being taken by the Indians and British; he said that we were under the necessity of making a forced march to their relief. He read some of the articles of war, and stated the absolute necessity of such regulations and restrictions in an army, and if there were any who could not feel willing to submit to those articles and go on with him they might then return home. _One man_ belonging to Colonel Scott’s regiment made a choice of returning home, rather than submit to those terms. Some of his acquaintances got a permit to escort him part of the way home. Two of them got him upon a rail and carried him to the river; a crowd followed after; they ducked him several times in the water, and washed away all his patriotism. _6th._ We marched at 12 o’clock--we left all our sick and part of our clothing and baggage at Piqua, in order to make as much speed as possible. On the morning of the 8th, three miles from St. Mary’s, one of Captain M‘Gowen’s company was accidentally shot through the body by one of the sentinels; the surgeon thought it mortal.[C] We marched four miles and encamped near the River St. Mary’s, one mile from the fort. General Harrison called the army together and stated, through emergency, we must be on half rations of flour for a few days, but should draw a ration and a half of beef, as he wished to go as light and as quick as possible. He said, “any who do not feel willing to go on these terms may remain at the fort and have plenty.” I know of none that stayed. St. Mary’s block-house is thirty miles from Piqua, on the River St. Mary’s.