The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1840-04-16

Gen. Harrison was also charged with
cowardice for ordering Col. Croghan to
retreat from Fort Stephenson and to de-
stroy the works. II is characteristic Of
true bravery to be generous-hear what
Col. Croghan says:
LOWER SASDUsKY, Aug. IL, 1873.
have with much regret seen in some Of the
public prints, sueh interpretations respecting
my refusal 10 evacuate this post arc cGlcula-
ted not only to injure me in the estimation Of
military men, but also to excite unfavorable i'm
pressions 10 the propriety of General Harm.
sons conduct relative to this affair.
His character as a military man is too well es-
tablished 10 need my appreciation or support. But
his public services entile him at least to common
JUSTICE this affair does not furnish cause of re-
proach. If public opinion mas been lately mis-
led respecting his conduct, it will require but
moments cool dispassionate reflection, to con-
vince them of its propriety. The measures re-
Gently adopted by him, SO far from deserving CEN
sure, are the clearest proofs Of his keen penetra
ton and able Generalship. Ii is true, that did
not proceed Immediately to execute his order TO
evacuate this post but this disobedence was
not, some would wish to believe, the result of
a fixed determination TO maintain the post con.
trary TO bis most positive orders, as will appear
from the following detail, which is given to ex.
! plain my conduct.
! About ~ O'clock on the morning of the Both
ult letter from tie Adiutant Generals Office,
dated Seneca Town July 29th, 1873, was hand
ed me by Mr.. Common, ordering me to abandon
this post. burn it, and retreat that night to head
quarters. On the reception Of the order, | called
a council Of officers, in which il was determined
no, to abandon the place, at least until the fur
Their pleasure Of the General should be known,
as Il Vas thought an attempt 10 retreat in open
day. IN the face Of superior force Of tie enemy,
would be more hazardous tlnn to remain in the
fort, under all its Disadvantages | therefore
wrote letter TO the General, couchod in such
terms thought were calculated TO deceive the
enemy should il fall into bis hands, which
thought more than probable-as well as to in
form the General should il be so fortunate as 10
reach him. that | should wait TO hear from him
before | should proceed TO execute his ORDER
This letter contrary to my expectations was re- /
eeivcd b. the General, who not knowing what
reasons induced me 10 write in tone so decisive,
concluded very nationally that the manner Of it |
was demonstratiyo ofthe most positive determine
ton 10 disobey his order under any circumstances.
was therefore suspended from the command Of
lhe fort, and ordered TO head quarters, But on !
explaining to the General my reason for not ex.
ccuting his orders, and my object in using the /
style | had done, he was so perfectly satisfied !
with the cX PLANTATION that was Immediately re.
ins,atcd IN the command.
II will 10 rccollected that the order above al |
.naod to- written the night prev ous to my |
receiving ii-had II been delivered to me, as it |
was intended that night, should have obeyed I
il without hesitation its not reaching me in time |
sf,- 4.
my officers on the propriety Of waiting the Gen |
erals further orders
II has been stated also that "upon my repre-
sensations Of my ability to maintain the post tho
General altered his determination to abandon it," /
Tins is incorrect. No such representation was |
ever made. And tho last order that | received |
from the General was precisely the same as that !
frs, given, viz THAT If | discovered the ap |,
proach Of large British force by water (presun. |
ing that they would bring heavy artillery time !
enough TO effect retreat, was To do so but IL
could not retreat with safety, to defend the post
TO the last extremity
A day or two before the enemy appeared before |
fou Meigs, the General had reconnoitred the
surrounding ground, and being Informed that the
hill on the opposite side of Sandusky completely
commanded the foyt, offered to undertake with I
the troops under my command, 10 remove it TO
that side. The General, upon reflection, thought
il best not 10 attempt il, he believed that if the
enemy again appeared on this side of the lake, il |
would be before the work could DO finished.
1t is uscloss to disguise the fact that this fort is
commanded by the points of high ground around |
it; single stroke Of the eve made this clear TO
me the t:sSt time had occasion to examine the
neighborhood, with a view of discovering the re-
laiivo strength and weakness Of the place.
II woald be lnsinccre 10 say that | am not fiat.
frrg1 hI tka blu fef,f54a srHicb bav
been said about tile defence which was made BY
the troops Under my command but desire no
plaudits which are bestowed upon me at the ex-
perse Of General Harrison.
| have at an times cnjovod his confidence as
far as my rank IA the army entitled me TO il and
on proper occasions received his marked atten.
ton | have felt tho warmest attachment for
him as man. and my confidence in him as an
abe commander remains mistaken. | feel every
assurance that he will at all times do me ample
justice and nothing could give me moro pam
than TO STE his enemies seize upon this occasion
10 deal ont their uniricndly feelings and acrimo.
Nous disIke--and as long as he continues (as in
my humble opinion he has hitherto done) TO mako
the wisest arrangements ard most ludicious dis
poaItion, which the forces under his command
will justify shall not hesitate to unite with the
army in bostowing upon him tina. confidence
which he SO richly merits, and which has upon
no occasion been withheld. Your friend,
GEORGE CROGHAN,
Maj, 18th lnl'ry, Com Lower Sandusky.
Ii was 50 stated in further disparage-
ment of Gen. Harrison's military services,
that at the battle Of the Thames he was
some miles from the action, and that the
whole hcp1r for the victory ourht to be
given to Col. K. VI. johnson. We have
letters before us, from the aids of Gen.
Harrison, which proves conslusycly that
such was not the case, and that Col. John
son had neither part nor lot IN the matter
any further than to lead his men to action
according to the orders of his superior Of
hcer. We shall lay this proof before the
public next week, when VIC shall refer to
this meeting again.