Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1855-08-03
FREMONT JOURNAL.
Friday, August 3, 1855.
Siege Of Fort StephensOn-August
Qnd 1919,


this engagement, which we find in the
Monthly Niscslaay, published at Detroit;
it will no doubt be interesting to our read
srs:-
Msjor Croghan, young officer Of the
regular army, was left with one hun
dred and sixty men at Lower SanaEsky, in
garrison at Fort Stephenson. Here he
vas attacked By large force under Proc
tor, and with but single cannon, rePulsed
them completely. An account of this
siege, though familiar to the reader is
worthy of repetition, If itwere only TO COM
nemorate the iuyincible courage OF the
young commander and his youthful COM
panions.
On Sunday evening, August lst, 1918,
500 British regulars, and from seven to
eight hundred Indians, under the imme-
diate command Of Proctor, appeared before
Fort Stephenson. He made such disposi-
ton Of his troops as effeetually to cut of
the retreat of the garrison il they should
attempt one. lie then sent Col. Elliott
and Major Chambers to demand the sur
render Of the Fort, with the stereOtyped
assertion that ''he was anxious to spare the
effusion of blood, which would be out OF
his power to effect if be should be eoDpell-
ed 10 take the fort BY storm"
Crogban's reply was, that he was deter
mined to defend the place to the last ex-
tremity, and that no force, however large,
should induce him to surrender. This re-
ply being communicated to Proctor, he
commenced brisk FIRE upon the fort from
bis gun-boats in the river, and howitzer
on shore. The Ere was kept up through
tie night with but little effect. At an ear,
ly hour the next morning, three six pound
ers, which in the night had been placed on
shore within $50 yards Of the pickeis open
ed their Gre. but with no great effect
From the maneuvres of Proctor, Croghan
juiged that he would attempt taking it by
stormiug it at its northwest angle. Will
the best means in his power he strengthen
cd the point of anticipated assault. He had
diviued the intentions Of Proctor. Finding
that his guns we're Intellectual, Proctor for
med his men into two columns. Lieut.. Col
Short led the principal one, Of one hundred
and 6fty men, and advanced to within iwen
ty PAGES of the lines. The garrison open
ed destructive Ere upon them, which
threw them info confusion. They were
quickly rallied by their leader, and agar
advancing lesped into the ditch; just then
the single SIX FOUNDER Of the fort VA
brought into requisition. A Ere Of grape
was poured from il which killed or wound
ed nearly every man who bad entered the
ditch. The fall of the advance threw the
balance Of the column into such disorder
and fear, that their officers were unable &c
rally them. They retired and sought safe
ty in tie adjoining woods. During the as
sault FIRE was kept up against the fort
from Eve Founders and howiizer. The
only loss sustained BY the garrison was
one man killed, one wounded. The loss o
the enemy was at least $50. In the ditcl
we're found killed. Lieut. Col Short, one
Lieutenant and fifty soldiers. Early OF
the morning Of the Sd, the enemy sailed
down the river, leaving behind them boa
containing clothing and military stores anC
severa! stands of arms.
The defence Of this fort was desperate
undertaking. The adventurous bravery
and daring resolution Of the young com
snander, achieved what the wisdom Of more
experienced officers would have decided tc
be impossible. II was truly forlorn hops
for that brave band of youths, in their lily
protected fort, TO expect even 70 survive
the determined attack Of their enemies
The pickets were eighteen feet high; th'
bayonets Of the soldiers were nailed upor
the side Of the upper end, pointing down
wards. The charge Of the enemy evincet
a disposition 10 conquer the post al all haz
ards In the course of twenty four hours
they discharged FIVE hundred shots, one
hundred of which fell within the fort, hap
PLY doing nosinjary.
Among the incidents of this brilliant de
fence showing the confidence of the eneml
in obtaining an easy victory, was the inso
lence of the Indian allies previous to th,
charge. When Elliott went to demand thl
surrender Of the fort, be was received out
side the pickets BY Ensign Ship. Will
conversing, one Of Eliotl's Indians came up
and taking hold of Ship attempted to TAX
of bis coat Sbipp drove him of with hi
swerd. The Indian was certain ther
would be capitulation, and pleased with
Shipp's coat, intended to secure It for him
SELF in advance. The enemy intended t
punish with outrageous barbarity. the refu
sui Of Col. Croghsn to surrender. TIL
threat made by Elliott, that if they wer
compelled to take the fort. there would b,
a general massacre, would have been real
ized, had the event of the day been favors
bic to the besiegers. Col Short, who ie
the attack, was not less bloody minder
than Proctor and his agents. As he ad
vaneed TO storm the fort he shouted to hi
men ~to give the Americans no quarters.
Scarcely had be given utterance to th
savage order, when be was laid prostrat