The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1813-01-19
Nyellish's Map
Domestic.
BATTLE or MASSAsSINEyVA.

Esd, an account of the battle OF Massassi-
newa, in many respects incorrect, arising
probably, from statements given by gentle
men belonging to the detachment, who were
not properly informed upon the subject. to
prevent which from being generally propa-
gated, 1 have been directed by the Colonel
commanding, to hand yoa a statement Of
facts, which shall do, and leave COM
ments to the public.
On the 25th November, the detachment
under the command of Lieut.. Col. John Is.
Campbell, took up the line of march from
Frankiinton, tOhio,) against the Indian
towns on Massassinew On the march
from Franklinton to Fort Greenville, no
thing worthy of public notice TRANSFERRED.
From the latter place, we took up the line
of march the 18th instant and marched 10
miles, the 18th marched 20 miles, the 10th
marched 90 miles and halted about sun
down to refresh the men and horses after
remaining about two hours, again took up
the line of march and having marched Is
miles halted within miles OF the hrst
town on the march that night, the detach-
mept was detained hours crossing one
creek, where many were completely i'm
merscd this delay prevented our APP
preaching as near the town as necessary,
until four in the morning. About day light,
on the 18th, we again took up the line of
march, and being compelled to take cir
cuitous route of about two miles, to avoid
swamp of which the guides were unappriz-
ed, arrived undiscovered within a mile of
the town about eight there we were dis
covered by 8 or Indians on horseback.
Immediately a charge was ordered. In a
little time the town was completely sur
rounded. Some Indians fed over the river,
on the bank of which the town was some
made a slight resistance, and others surren-
m m
the town was very slight, perhaps not more
than two or three guns fired. Those who
fled over the river, kept up fire for some
minutes, until several of them were killed.
They were pursued by captain Johnson, at
the head of part of his troop, part of
Colonel Simralfs regiment of light dra-
goons, and some prisoners taken ~Cpc OF
cur men was wounded, who has since died.
The number of warriors Killed. eight.-the
number of prisoners taken, forty-two. The
town, consisting of about, 2 houses, was i'm
mediately burnt, except two or three, in
which the prisoners were confined. After
the skirmish was over, a SERGEANT in cap
tain Hopkins troop went ont to get some
provisions he had lost :. in the charge, and
was killed, The infantry and rilemen be-
ing left as 2 guard over the prisoners, the
cavalry marched down the river about or
3 miles to Silver Heels and two.other villa
one squaw, whom we found and left in a
cabin the ether houses, amounting in all.
perhaps to 40, were reduced to ashes, and
property of every description we could find
DESTROYED. The towns had been very sud-
denly abandoned, leaving their vlctuals over
the fire. In the evening we returned and
eucamped on the ground where stood the
first town attacked. This village was inha-
bited by mixture of Delaware and Miami
Indians. We ehcamped, on the night of the
17th, in a square the infantry q rifemen
on the front line facing the river, major
Ball on the right and half Of the rear line,
and Colonel Simrall on the left, and the re-
sidue of the rear line. The reveillee was
beaten on the morning of the 18th at 4
o'clock, as was usual on our march. About
half an hour before day, and whilst the field
officers and captains were in council with
the Colonel commanding, relative to future
operations, the right rear angle of our camp
was most furiously attacked. In second
the troops we're formed. and the enemy's
FIRE returned with interest. The angle at
tackled was formed by captain Garrard's
right and captain Hopkins left. In Il
little time the action became general along
;he left line. and on the rear line as
far as Captain Hopkins troop extended.
The angle first attacked was reinforced by
the spy company, consisting OF eight men,
and captain Buffers company oe infantry,
Captain Hopkins inclining to- the right, so as
TO give him room to form on the left of the
rear line. The action continued about an
hour, and was CALAMITY supported by major
y MS squadron, with the addition of cap
tain Buffers company and a few of captain
35iliot's near the right front angle. A gall
lAnt charge was made by captain Trotter.
at the head of his troop, who was followed
sosn after by captain Johnson with part Of
his troop, these being the only troops called
on for that service. Between daylight and
SUNRISE, the enemy retreated, leaving MANY
killed on the ground, whom they had not
aime to remove. Colonel Simrail's recl-
Ipent, with the exception OF part of captain
,Crotter's troop, captain Alexander's and
a part Of captain Elliot's companies were
not engaged, but all formed with alacrity in
the best order. impatiently awaiting an at
tack. The spies were sent out after sun
rise. and reported that from the number
found dead, and the trails in the snow where
they had drawn them along. they supposed
thr enemy had lost at least 80. The num-
Der wounded we could make no estimate Of
We lot six in the action, and as wounded,
ttyo of whom have since died. SO soon as
the wounded could be dressed and filters
Y crowded, we commenced our return and
came three miles that night. With easy
marches of from TO II miles per dav, we
reached Fort Grcenville on the evening of
the oath, worn down and nearly exhausted
with fatigue, hunger and cold. Major A.