Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1840-07-09

4 Green Clay, who had passed the Indian Ines un,
der cover OF the night the most imminent hazard
| Of their lives. They brought information that Ge-
neral Clay, with his brigade OF Kentucky militia,
was encarnped on tile river. few miles above the
/ fort 10 which he would proceed early thai morning
| This was most cheering intelligence to GENERAL
Harrison, and with this addition to his force, he
determined at once to commence Offensive opera
lions by attacking the enemy at every sssallaole
point, dislodge them from their posttion, destroy
heir batteries and thus terminate The siege OF Fort
Meigs.
with this view, two officers were Immediately
/ despal chcd to General Clay, with orders to land
about mile above the fort, the opposite side 81
the river, detachment Of 800 under one OF its
most trustworthy officers; to move upon the Bfitish
batteries 10 carry them, spike the cannon, destroy
| the ammunition, and carriages, and Immediately
upon the accomplishment Of this, TO cross the river
| 20 the fort under cover Of artillery.
| "The brave Col Dudley did, in most gallant
manner take the British batteries, and spiked some
pieces Of their cannon but, too confident oil his
own streng h. and ignorant Of the enemy, TO be soon
made available, he induced, In violation OF his
instructions, TO occupy the ground taken until the
enemy had time 10 collect their forces in an adJa-
cent woods, into which he was cunnnely enticed
by partial firing Of few Indians, where, after
bloody conflict, the largest part OF his command was
taken.
Gen. Harrison displayed in the judgement OF
all his officers the highest order Of military talent
during the siegefor his efficient plans Of defence,
by uaverses through and across the encampment,
as cover for his meD--the manner OF protecting
his magazine the object OF constant atiack--as
we'll as for the plan, direction, and most oppoFune
execution of The grand object of the two soflies,
made by detachments from the garrison at Fort
Megs the 9Th OF May, 1913.
e ~
ton of the detachment of the Indians, and Canadi
an militia investing the south and west end of the
fort, for the purpose Of drawing hsm from the III
YER whilst Gen Clays detachment was efectibg
their entrance into the fort.
1.-The second sortie commenced its movement
Just at the moment OF the appearance, on the oppo-
site side, OF Dud!ey's detachment advancing upon
the British batteries, having the double effect OF en-
gaging the Indians and preventing them from Cross
ing the river cooperate against Dudley, and ac-
compshing the destruction Of the enemy's bate
ries on the southeast side of the river.
'On no occasion, during the last war, were grea-
ter honors acquired than by General Harrison, who
conceived and directed, and the gentlemen wfoex
ecuied bis orders in these TWO brilliant sortles.
q In both engagements our troops, whilst utterly
exposed, advanced upon and repulsed the enemy
sheltered he was BY his position, and outnumber
ing our men four to
" In the last sortie our men marched as hrmly as
veterans, to the very mouths OF the Blush cannon,
receiving, unmoved, their constant hfe o grape
shot, accompanied by most CALLING and destructive
fire from the sands Of Indians and militia on our
front and TANKS. Although large number OF our
men fell aud persisted upon the bed OF honor, their
surviving comrades never paused in then forward
march, until the batteries, with IA large portion OF
the BRUSH regulars in charge of them were caPtu-
red and the whole Indian and militia force was dis
persed and routed. Thus ended the memorable
siege Of Fort Meigs
Opportunities have b. en- afforded me Of know
ing General HARRIsoN in all the relations OF iie,
AS an officer and as IA man, and OF being enabled to
form pretty correct estimate OF his civil and null
tary Character. ] know him TO be open and brave
IN his disposition. OF active and industrious habits,
uncompIomlsing IN his principles, above all guile
and intrigue, and pure honest, noble minded man,
with n heari efowing with warm and generous
sympathies for his fellow men. As military man.
his daring, chivaIrous courage inspired his men
with confidence and spread dismay and terror to
his enemies. In all his plans he was successful
In all his engage ments he was victorious He has
filled all the various offices committed to him by his
country, with sound judgement and spo,less fidelity
In every situation, he was cautious and prudent,
firm and energetic; and his decisions ai~ avs judi
cious. His requirements as a scholar are varied
aud extensive; his principle. as statesman, sound,
pure and republican