A Journal of Two Campaigns of the Fourth Regiment of U.S. Infantry: In the Michigan and Indiana Territories, Under the Command of Col. John P. Boyd, and Lt. Col. James Miller During the Years 1811, & 12. — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
A Journal of Two Campaigns of the Fourth Regiment of U.S. Infantry: In the Michigan and Indiana Territories, Under the Command of Col. John P. Boyd, and Lt. Col. James Miller During the Years 1811, & 12.
John Stuart Mill · en
August 4--Major Van Horn, of Col. Findley's regiment was detached with
200 men to the river Raisin, for the purpose of escorting a quantity
of provisions to the army, which were at that place under the charge
of Capt. Brush. He was attacked in the woods of Brownstown by a large
body of Indians while his men were partaking of a little refreshment.
So sudden and unexpected was the attack that it was impossible to form
the men in line of battle, although every exertion was made by the
officers for that purpose. In this defeat seven officers and ten
privates were killed, and many more wounded--They retreated in great
disorder, leaving part of their killed on the field.
Aug. 5.--Orders are at last issued by Gen. Hull for the army to be in
readiness to take the field against the enemy; the first step for this
purpose, was to _abandon_ our position in Upper Canada, and return to
Detroit; which was accomplished on the night of the 6th, leaving a
detachment, however, to garrison a small fort we had built during our
stay at Sandwich: this also was shortly after set fire to and abandoned.
Aug. 8.--In consequence of the failure of the expedition under Major
Van Horn, the 4th Regt. with a detachment from the militia, all under
the command of Col. Miller, left Detroit about 3 o'clock P.M. and
proceeded on our march to open the communication with Capt. Brush, who
had fortified himself on the banks of the river Raisin. A little past
sunset we arrived at the river De Coss, which we crossed, and encamped
without tents.--Early next morning continued our march and about 12
o'clock our Cavalry were fired upon by some Indian scouts, who had
stationed themselves behind an old log hut, and killed one and wounded
another of the dragoons. The line of battle was instantly formed, and
we advanced rapidly forward, for a considerable distance, but no enemy
could be discovered.--We halted to refresh on an open field, where we
tarried a short time, and again proceeded on our march.--At 3 o'clock,
P.M. the vanguard, commanded by Capt. Snelling, was fired upon by an
extensive line of British troops. Capt. Snelling maintained his
position in a most gallant manner until the main body could be formed
in line of battle, and advance to his relief; when the whole,
excepting the rear guard was brought into action in a masterly style
by our brave Commander.--The enemy were formed in an advantageous
position behind a breast-work of felled trees; we had advanced but a
few rods towards their works before a large body of Indians arose upon
each flank of the British and poured a tremendous fire of rifles into
our ranks; and in a moment dropped down behind their logs. We still
continued on the advance, and could discover nothing but the smoke
from their discharge until nearly upon them with the bayonet, which
they perceived, before they had time to reload, and retreated to a
second breast-work; but they, as well as the British, were driven from