Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1840-08-13
NO. 20.


surren1erirg, and hat their cannon was
in our ion--he exclaimed, in an ami
mated tone, "Coine on my brave fellows,
Proctor and his whole army will soon ba
ours" Soon after this, all officer, Il be-
lieve the late Judge John Nc Dowel, Of
Ohio) rode up and reported that the left
wing, at or near the crotchct, was suffer
ing severely, and in great disorder. This
communication was made in The hearing
of the soldiers. The General contradicted
the latter part Of the statement in the most
emphatic manner-but giving order to tho
next in command 10 push forward, ha
dashed with the messenger to the indicat-
ed point of conflict and confusion, and
found the contest pretty close and severe.
A portion Of Johneon's regiment, owing To
the impracticablity ofthe ground for horse,
had dismounted, and was lighting on foot
and mingled with the iEfantry-which had
been, to some extent the cause of the con-
fusion. Order was soon restored, and the
left wing closed to the front, (Which formed
the crotchet) under the personal supervis-
ion of General Harrison. In the mean
time some of our soldiers were shot within
less than zen feet of the General for thu
conflict here was sharp and animated, and
continued so for some time. With the ex.
ception of the charge made by Col. John,
sons regiment, Gen. Harrison was in tho
most exposed and dangerous parts Of thu
battle
1t is due 10 the occasion to relate the
following incident: The day before the bait
tie the army was irnpeded in its march, by
the destruction OF a bridge across a branc!
of the Thames, up which it was moving,
at or near the mouth of the branch. Col.
Johnson hal been ordered to cross this
stream at some mills, two or threa
miles above lis mouth. The road led
him by the bridge. A portion ofhis regiment
had a brush with rariy of Indians, posted
in cabins on the opposite side ftha Thames
and the branch, and also under the thick
covert along their banks, to dispute tho
passage of the stream, and harass all at
tempts to repair the bridge. As, hurried
the firing was heard, the Gspe' * Dy q
portion of his family, of which Commodore
Perry was one. When arrived, found
General Harrison, Commodore Perry and
other officers, q think General Cass was
WIZ III ''ci piCSC vi StOuho3 bSu' 'AAo
bridge Col. johnson had passed. and
small portion of his Regiment, previously
dismounted, under the command of Capl.
Benjamin Warfed, and soine Infantry
which had buried np, we're carrying on the
skirmish. Major Wood had been ordered
up with small piece of artillery. Com
modore Perry urged General Harrison to
Withdraw, as he was too much exposed for
The Commander-in-C Chief. i'll mistake MOI,
General Cass united with the Commodore.
and offered to remain and see his orders
executed. The General, with Perry aud
the residue of his suite, started OFF; but
General Harrison went but few steps and
returned, and retained his position near the
cannon, until the Indians were dIsodged
and driven. the bridge repaired, and the
army put in motion to cross. During the
whole time he was as much or more ex-
posed than the soldiers, being on horse-
back all the while. The Commodore af-
forwards demonstrated with him against
lhis unnecessary exposure, observing, that
in open sea he could stand FIRE tolerabl,
well, but there was no fun in being shot
at by a concealed enemy" The General
justified his conduct by saving ''ihe Gener-
al who commands Republican volunteers.
in whose ranks the best blood of the cour,-
try is to be found, must never think Of his
own safety, a; least until his troops become
familiar with his disregard Of personal dam
ger" flardhood itself has never denied Per-
RVS courage. Chambers, and Todd Of Ken,
lucky, and O'Falou of Missouri. the other
Aids Of General Harrison at the battle Of
! L.
you aGduionai facts if required.
Although it Ia not in direct response to
any part of yonr letter, must be permitted
10 say. that my intercourse with General
Harrison left the conviction on my mind,
that he was gentleman, a soldier and q
patriot; and deprecate most sincerely,
the Injustice attempted to be done him by
portion Of that party with which | havs
always voted. l am, sir. respectfully.
Your nbedient servnnt,
j SPEED SMITH,
To NJ. B. Corwin, Esq.