Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-05-11
VOL. 33, NO. 34-WHOLE NO. 1851.

Two sorties on the south side of'he river, and on
the same day. planned aud erecuted under orders
from Genern Harrison, were eminehtly success-
fn resulting in the objects designed forcing the
BRUSH to raise the siege Of Fort Meigs. That,
conducted by the brave and accomplished officer,
then Col, John Miller, now Representative in
Congress from Missouri, intended to destroy q
sunken battery, that had annoyed us very serious
ly, by enilading our rear line of pickets as we'll
as to prevent the almost entire Indian force then
investing the fort that side of the river, from
CO.. operating with the British against Dudey's
attack, mnde ut the same tme on the opposite side,
considering The very great disparity between our
force and that of the enemy, being as four to one,
was, | must he allowed TO say, of the most
brilliant affars Of the last war.
Gen. Wnchesiers movement, to the river Raj
sin, where he was defeated, was in disobedieDcc
of Gen. Harrisons order, which required him 10
proceed to the Rapids OF the Maumee OF the Lakes,
and to remain there for further orders.
have extended my remarks beyond what de-
slgned when commenced, but you will perceive
my object wus TO give full and satisfactory an
swer to your interrogotories aver, that on ev-
cry occasion, when Gen. Harrison commanded, he
ever disrcgarded personal danger and sacrifice, in
The performance OF duty, exhibiting all the fine
Qualities OF dauness soldier, combined with
those of a talented, skfu mud most able General.
Why, at this remote eriod, when death hasswept
away so many memorials of Gen. Harfison's in
irepidty and excellence, should the poisoned spirit
of political envy, attempt thus TO tarnsh the hard
earned laures of the veteran soldier, who, in pub
lie, as in private lile has lived ,cithout fear and
Without reprodch ?"
This sir, is what have TO say of Gen. Harrison.
doubt whether there is another man living who
has possessed equal opportunities with myself Of
forming correct opinion of Gen. Harrison's mil
itary character. ! served under him the greater
part of the period he was in active service near
his inn with no Tinppcanoa
petition and continuing to its termination re-
joining his army in the fall.ol 1919, at Franklin
ton, Ohio, where, Immediately on my arrival,
became member of his military family, as Sec
ieIary in the winter Of 1912 and 1918, was APP
pointed his Acting Deputy Adjutant General! and
in May, 1913, Immediately after the siege of Fort
Mcigs his Aid de-calnp, which station held TO
The close of his military service. And in conclu-
sion, can safely say, that never in my life, saw
a drawer man in battle, one more collected, prompt
and full of resources, than General William Henry
Harrison.
have the honor to be- with great respect, your
most obedient servant. j. OFALLON.
CINCINNATI, 29h Feb. 1910.
DEAR SIR Your letter of the 18th inst. was
forwarded, under cover TO Major Chambers, at
Washington Kentucky, and sent by him to my
residence after left home, which must be my
apology for the delay Of this answer.
ed that d" 1 was in the battle of the Thames, and
near the person OF Gen. Harrison, FROM the COM
mencelnent to the termination OF the engagement,
and that personally know what part Gen. Harr-
son took in it," j was IA captain in the army of
the United States and had The honor to act as n
regular Abide Camp to Gen. Harrison, during the
active operations Of the campaign, after the cap
ure of the British fleet aud was at his side in the
battle Of the Thames, with the exception of The
time when, after the capture OF the British troops,
he directed me TO proceed to Gov. Shelby, and
order him to bring up Simralls regiment and re-
iniorce that portion of Johnson's regiment and the
left Of Trotier's brigade which was pressed BY the
Indian force.
You say it has been openly avowed on the
floor of the House of Representatives of Ohio VOW
IN session. by members in their places that Cen
Harrison was at no time in the battle, nor within
two miles of the battle ground that the entire
plan of operations was projected by Col. X. nj.
Johnson; that he led the troops TO conquest, and
that Gen. Harrison had no part or lot in the mat.
ter From my personal knowledge of the plan
and events of that battle, have no hesitation in
stating that these declarations in r. laon to Gen.
Harrisons position and conduct in that battle, are
destitute any foundation in truth. Gen. Harri-
son las correctly stated, in his report 10 the War
Department, the position he occupied just before
the commencement of the action; and he might
lave added, that he in person gave the word of
command 10 the mounted regiment to CHARGE
he having with his aids de-camp, passed from the
right of The front line ofnfantry, the right of the
front OF the mounted column, and not only order
ed the charge to be made by pronouncing tho
word, but called upon his aids to repeat and pass
the word alopg the line l was close by his side,
and he was SO near the enemy, tina. their fire cut
down the leaves and twigs OF the trees just abovd
our heads.
As soon the British troops had surrendered,
and after had been sent tn Gov. Shelby with the
..In uI.,
To the point where The Indians were annoying the
left and personally directed the operations in that
quarter, to the close of the action met Gov Shell
by, bringing up SimraIPs Regiment, he having an
ticipaed the Generals wishes 10 that movement.
In this way, Gov. Shelby and Gen. Harrison it'll
his nds, met at the point where the Indians had
made their most desperate effort, and from which
they soon after retreated.
The first arrangement for the battle, as well as
the subsequent change, which was predcated upon
the important information obtained by The militia
ry eye Of Col. Wood, was planned alone by Gen.
Harrison. The execution ofthis subsequent plan,
was contided to the Regiment commanded by Col.
r. M. Johnson, who led in person the I'd battalion,
aided by Major Thompson which, in its extern
sion TO the left brought some portion Of it in con-
tact with the Indian line. The LIST battalion was
led by 1t. Col. James Johnson, aided by Major
Payne. This BATTALION TO the right Of the front Of
which Gen. Harrison and his staff advanced, and
where he personally gave the word charge cap
tured the British line, and having thus turned the
Indian left, decided the fate Of The day
You are at liberty TO make such use Of this let
ter as you may think proper.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
c. :. TODD.
Moses B. CoRwIN ESQ, House of Representatives.,
Columbus, Ohio.
RICHMOND, March6, ls40.
Sir: Your letter OF the 7th uli. was received
,,,,o.l.v in which you stat, That IN hau hea,,