Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary TimesEllis, Edward Sylvester
History
Tales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary Times
Ellis, Edward Sylvester
Frontier and pioneer life -- United States -- Anecdotes; United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Anecdotes
The troops had now advanced within three miles of the Moravian town, and
within one mile of the enemy. Across a narrow strip of land, near an
Indian village, the enemy were drawn up in line of battle, to prevent
the advance of the American troops. The British troops amounted to six
hundred, the Indians to more than twelve hundred. About one hundred and
fifty regulars, under Colonel Ball, were ordered to advance and amuse
the enemy, and, should a favorable opportunity present, to seize his
cannon. A small party of friendly Indians were directed to move under
the bank. The regiment of Colonel Johnson was drawn up in close column,
with its right a few yards distant from the road. General Desha's
division covered the left of Johnson's regiment. General Cass and
Commodore Perry volunteered as aids to General Harrison.
On the 5th, the enemy was discovered in a position skillfully chosen, in
relation as well to local circumstances as to the character of his
troops. A narrow strip of dry land, flanked by the river Thames on the
left and by a swamp on the right, was occupied by his regular infantry
and artillery, while on the right flank lay Tecumseh and his followers,
on the eastern margin of the swamp. But, notwithstanding the judicious
choice of the ground, Proctor had committed the error of forming his
infantry in open order. Availing himself of this fact, and aware that
troops so disposed could not resist a charge of mounted men, he directed
Colonel Johnson to dash through the enemy's line in column. The movement
was made with brilliant success.
The mounted men charged with promptitude and vigor, broke through the
line of the enemy, formed in the rear, and assailed the broken line with
a success seldom equaled, for nearly the whole of the British regular
force was either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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