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
Col. Miller had determined to push on to the river Raisin; for which
purpose the troops were paraded in readiness to march; but the Col.
was suddenly attacked by a fit of the fever and ague, with which he
had been partially afflicted from the time of his severe illness at
Fort Harrison in Indiana. We therefore continued on the ground this
day, expecting provisions from Detroit, but none arrived. We observed
the British to be busy in crossing over troops from Malden a few miles
below us, and concluded they intended an attack upon our encampment
the following night. About sunset an express arrived in Camp from the
General at Detroit, with a peremptory order for the troops to return
that evening to the river De Coss. We were immediately formed and
proceeded on our return. It having rained the whole of the day, and
the night being extremely dark, it was with great difficulty we
reached the river; being without tents we were wet to the skin; many
lost their shoes in the mud and came on barefoot. About 2 o'clock the
next morning we arrived at the river, and after partaking of some
refreshment, which had been sent to this place, we spread our
blankets, which were wet as well as the ground we lay upon; and
notwithstanding our uncomfortable situation we slept soundly until day
light.
Aug. 11.--Continued on our march, re-crossed the river De Coss, and
arrived at Detroit about 12 o'clock.
Aug. 12.--The British had taken possession of the ground we had
abandoned at Sandwich, and commenced throwing up their works; at which
they continued without interruption until the 15th, working in open
day. Our troops were also employed in erecting batteries on the bank
of the river, opposite to those of the British.
Aug. 14.--A detachment of three hundred and fifty troops from
M'Arthur's and Cass' regiments were ordered to the river Raisin to
escort up the provisions which had so long remained there under the
protection of Captain Brush. This was the _third_ detachment which had
been sent on that service.
Aug. 15.--The enemy had completed their batteries, and about 10
o'clock, P.M. Gen. Brock, the British commander, sent over a flag of
truce from Sandwich, with a summons for the surrender of the town and
fort; stating that he could no longer restrain the fury of the
savages, and should at 3 o'clock, commence a cannonade upon the place
unless the summons was complied with. A prompt and spirited refusal
was returned. At 4 o'clock their batteries were opened upon the town,
from two 18 pounders and a howitzer. Their fire was briskly returned
from our two batteries of three 24 pounders, and continued without
interruption until dark. In the evening they commenced throwing
shells, and did not cease until 9 o'clock. No person was hurt, or but
little damage done, except to a few buildings in the town.