The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-02-18
DISASTROUS NE WS.
GENERAL HARRISON'o ACCOUNT OF The
DEFEAT or GENERAL WlNCHES TER.
Dated Head Quarters, Carrying R'rer.

Dated Head Quarters, Carrying R1per.
24th Januars 1913.
Dear Sir-The event of which expressed
50 much apprehension in my letter to you
from Lower Sandusky, has happened. The
detachment under Col. Lewis was reinforced
BY Gen. Winchester, with $50 men. lie at
tended it, and took the command at the river
Raisin Oh the 20th aud on the 22d he
was attacked at revielle, by considerable
British aud Indian force, with SIX pieces oi
artillery. The troops being surprised, and
the ground unfavorable, had but little oppor-
tunity of forming to advantage. They were
surrounded and broke, in 20 or IS minutes.
A major and captain, and about IS privates,
were all that effected their escape.
had but $50 men with me, about three
miles above the rapids, when the news first
reached me. l Immediately ordered them
10 prepare TO march, and set out with my
ststf, GO overtake q detachment OF 500 men
that had set out that morning for the river
Naisin. ] overlook them at the distance OF
miles, but before the other troops (Col. An
drew's Ohio regimenD came up |, was sscer-
tanned thai the defeat was complete, and II
was the unanimous opinion OF Gen. Payne,
Perkins, and the field officers, that we should
return. A detachment 10 the amount OF l7O
OF the most active men was sent forward WIN
directions to proceed, as far as possible, to
assist those who were fortunate enough to
escape there weto, however. but few; the
snow was so deep that the fugitivcs were en-
tireiy exhausted IN running fcw miles
those that did get off effected 1t by turning
down to the lake and secreting themselves.
believe there were not more than 40 or so
that got mile from the scene OF action, and
the greater part of them were overtaken.
Never were the affairs OF any army In
more prosperous situation than ours before
the unfortunate step of marching the de.
tachmen. to the river Rsisin 1t was made
not only without any authority from me Dot
in opposition 10 my views. Every thing in
my power was, however, done to prevent any
disaster, and reinforce ments were pushed on
with as muca rapidly as possible. Maj. Cot.
groves battalion, (the first in the army was
within Ia miles of the scene OF action, when
he heard Of the defeat, and 500 regular troops
were also ON tnoir way. ! remained at the
Rapids with one regiment only. In justice
10 general Wirchestet, must observe, that
/ have understood, that the measure (msrch-
ing the detachment to the river Raisin) was
forced upon him by his officers but whatev-
CT may have been the cause, and however
great the calamity, both as it regards the na-
tion and individuals, il is certainly not irrepa-
rable. BY the unanimous advice Ut the gen.
eraI and field officers, took this position yes
terday, for the purpose of forcing speedy
junction of the troops in the rear, and 10 COW
or the very valuable convoy of artillery and
stores that are coming from U. Sandusky.
Unless the weather is very unfayorabe,
shall be at the Rapids again IN 4 or days,
and shall certainly give the enemy an oppor-
tunity of measuring their strength with Us IN
another contest. Fer my part feel no doubt
as 10 the result, and if can juds; of the dis
position Of the troops, from the manner
in which they received an addtess from me
yesterday, desire ofavengios their lost CON-
panions and retrieving their coun,ry's disgrace
is the predo ninant passion that occupies their
minds.
know not what proportion the prisoners
Of gen. Wincne,,er's late troops hss- - the
killed some Of the French who FAVE come
in report tho latter at 500 and others at 800
The detachment amounted to near one thou.
sand. lam, with mlch regard, dear sir, your
humble servant, WIN. X. HARRISON.
r. --u--~.s 49, fr.;1s