Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-03-09

tack, mounting on their dead companions
with increased numbers, when the six pound
er having been re-charged, vomited forth
destruction again, and the ditch was liter
orally filled with the wounded, the dying
and the dead, mangled and weltering in
pools Of blood. This was too much for even
British valor to behold. If they had saved
their honor their disaster was complete; all
concuned that sudden retreat to their
boats was the only safety for the few they
had left who were able to move. The
wounded they abandoned to their fate while
the savages betook themselves to the swamp,
so that by nine o'clock in the evening all
was as quiet as though nothing had hap
pened. No sounds were heard except the
groans of the wounded and dying. and their
anxious pleading for water to slake their
burning thirst. For fear the Indians might
be lurking about to take advantage, our he
roes would not open the gates to 90 to
them, but threw cans of water over the
pickets to supply them till daylight, when
they took them within the Fort and rem
dered all the assistance in their power
somo few of them recovered. It was heart
felt JOY and emotions of gratitude to the
Supreme Being for the victory as expressed
in their countenances rather than by words,
that you could discover any change in the
bearing of the fortunate Croghan and his
faithful soldiers.
"In the afternoon they dug a large vault,
and with decent solemnity committed their
late foes the dead, to our mother earth. In
former years l have often seen the spot but
cultivation and improvement have so
changed the aspect of our town, that l know
not whether it can now be found, nor do
know that Briton ever sought for it.
"The soldier who is slain and buried in
foreign land, is soon forgotten or his grave
never visited. Many of our countrymen
have friends deposited in the soil of Mexico.
"But we must speak of the importance of
the victory of Fort Stephenson. While it
was grand, sublime and overwhelming with
out parallel in the annals of war, and af-
terwards almost keeping the shade that of
Gen. Jackson at New Orleans, where about
two thousand of the enemy were slain and
taken prisoners, with the loss of only seven
killed and 90 wounded. Croghan lost but
one, as before stated. Certainly if it did
not rebound more to the glory Of our ma
tien it effected more. The results were
more advantageous than those of any con
flict which took place during the war o
1912. 1t cleared Ohio of enemies, and sh,
could pursue her avocations in undisturbeC
peace. The achievement, the glory of ihc
victory, raised the dropping spirits of al
Americans, and other officers soon became
emulous to follow-his example. There wa.
soon a movement made to command Lake
Erie, that VIC might re-take Michigan. The
noble Perry captured the British fleet the
very next month; the enemy then took the
alarm and crossed the Detroit river, auc
our coast was clear"
The above is verbatim copy of DR.
Brainard's written account of the battle o.
of Fort Stephenson. He came to thi.
place in November, 1919; was scholar
a close observer of historical events, and
endowed with remarkable memory
Though not present at the battle he re.
ceived his information while the particular
were fresh in the minds of all the inhabit
ants of our town, and aside from the yer,
condensed official report of the battle, hi,
account affords the best information attain
! able, relative to this interesting event il
the early history of our town. have tran
scribed his manuscript, prepared perhaps
not for the public eye, yet forcible, and nc
doubt correct.
Fort Stephenson is historic ground; it i
| the chief historical attribute of our town
1t is an object of national attraction, sough
for, viewed and revered by every soldier
and dear to every American citizen. Tn,
! picture of its battle forms the frontispiec
in the history of our State, aud in all he
0 wide expanse of hills, valleys and wide
spreading plains, no spot is so brightly il
Illuminated by deeds of unsurpassed coul
age, and immeasurable patriotism, as this
/ On this spot l60 of our countrymen voluu
tarily offered their lives, and by their valo
saved them, and saved the helpless womel
and children in Northern Ohio from tn
tomahawk and the scalping knife of tn,
+ savage. They were true men, and agains
every reasonable hope-at the immnen
risk of death and torture most terrible
they obtained victory, and the ground o
Fort Stephenson drank up tie blood O
those whose intention and effort was I.
make our soil red with the blood of on
own people. Fort Stephenson should b.
hallowed ground to every American citizen
especially to every inhabitant of our town
! The site Of this Fort, is now privat
property offered for sale, and the questio
/ whether our town shall purchase and ded
cate it to patriotic and public uses, and pre-
{ serve it for the inspection of those w6or
history inspires with veneration for th
D brave; is now under discussion.
Our town has no park which its author
ties or people can claim as their own. Nc
a foot Of ground dedicated to the free us
of our people is under their control. Taste
pleasure, profit, health, convenience, an
5 above all, patriotism and decent respec
for the opinion of men everywhere, deman,
OF us this purchase. No other object 0
T project now presented for our consideration
has such importance upon the future of ou
: town, as that of purchasing this spot. 1t
0 elevated and central location, size and form
I, are precisely such as true taste would 81
Q leet for a park, where we can with ia:
D pride conduct our visiting friends, enjoy
: walk; demonstrate the enterprise and na
z riofisrn of one ,Noo,lo. - RI =,