Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-03-23
(COntinued from last ,Oesk).


came necessary to establish garrison there
to prevent the British from penetrating into
the very heart Of Ohio. They having COM
mand Of the Lake. could easily send up the
river to the rapids, then take some advan-
tageous position in the direction TO Colum-
bus. To obviate such movements, General
Harrison caused Fort TO be erected on an
eminence about forty rods west of the river,
which was called Fort Stephenson, and an
other one about eight miles above which he
called Fort Seneca, while another, with like
design, was erected at the Maumee rapids,
called Fort Meigs. All these forts bad to
be supplied with men and munitions of war,
through a country without roads, but tho
interchangeable labors of Harrison and bis
army were equal to all exigencies, and sup
piled all defects. Passages were made
through the woods and swamps, so they
could draw their cannon aud baggage wag-
ons from one Fort to another as occasion
required, the General taking it upon him
self to sec personally that each Fort was in
good state for defence. He generally
moved from one TO the other in the stiffness
of the night, to avoid being discovered, as
there were many British Indians lurking in
the woods He was accustomed to tako
but two aids with him, and a faithful In
dian guide, all mounted on horseback.
"Having one night with bis three COM
panions passed something more than half
wav from Fort Stephenson (Which was left
under the command of Col. Croghan) 10
Fort Meigs, his faithful Indian guide who
usually rode some fifteen or twenty rods in
advance for the purpose of discovery, should
there be Indians in the woods, returned
somewhat agtated, saying he had discovered
some ten or twelve Indians lying by fire
in the centre of the road or trail. A con-
sultation was Immediately held, how they
should pass undiscovered. One of the aids
proposed that they should turn of TO the
right into small prairie and pass at such
distance they would not be seen. Harrison
said mo, the glade of woods being thin be-
tween the camp and grass, the foe can sec
us and will be ahead when we come out of
the woods; it won't do The guide was
then asked to give his opinion. He said
turn to the left into the dense woods, and
the darkness will save us. Harrison replied
mo, that won't do, the tramping of horses
4 and the breaking of sticks, or a neighing
a of one, would arouse the watchful foe.' 1t
V now remained for the other aid to give his
!. opinion, which was to return. what re-
turn p said the General, when my business
o is done at Fort Stephenson for the present,
!. and my services are wanted at Fort Mcgsf I
q No, that won't do; never, never My de-
J. cision is that we again mount our horses,
l.. ride along slowly and make as little Eoise
II as possible, till we get so near that four or
d six Jumps fthe horses will bring US into the
centre of their camp, then surely VIC can
v escape before they can discharge theirpieces
4 or should we see movement before we get
A. so near, at that instant ply the spur and
s rush forward; will be one of the two in
h advance The plan was at once adopted
# They approached within two rods, when
r they saw little movement of one of the
;. foe, the Generals horse, which was to be
II the signal, made more than his wontcd leap
,e on grand occasions, and in a second or two
W they were all passing over the fire, (tramp-
D. ing several legs that were extended towards
ST it after the fashion of Indians,) and in afew
ID seconds more they were clear of danger, and
about day break arrived at Fort Mcigs.-
j. What was the surprise of the Indians was
n. never known, but conjecture is sufficient
y This achievement not that it saved an ar
my, but the audacity of the actitsef renders
90 it worthy of notice. 1t was by such pres
ence of mind, courage and bravery, that be
- won victories"
BALLS BATTLE.
The British Indians were in the habit o
~ ~ watching for the United States Mail whicl
on m came in weekly from Columbus being stim
-. ulaied thereto by the hope of the booty the
- might fnd in them, and the rewards paiC
"a !, by the British for any letters of importanc'
a.. which they might obtain. Two or NOR
'aJ 1J mail carriers had already been killed on th
~ way, and on one occasion moro than a usua
~ ~ number of Indians had congregated to xii
81, the mail carrier and share the plunder, the
former successes having increased their al
" dacity. DR.. Brainard relates the circum
stance as follows:
'ty "The Indians knew the day ofarrival, an,
,P- twenty in number secreted themselves i
he an oak opening behind logs, abou. a mil
Lri- and half from tho Fort up tho river. ]
CO. so happened on that day that Col. Ball wit
ell 81 Dragons was dispatched on some mis-
sion by Gen. Harrison, than at Fort Sencci
ho to Col. Croghan at Fort Stephenson.
nd was usual custom, when any portion Of h
hi army was travelling night or day, that tw
or thee persons should 90 considerably
the advance, to SEQ tho way clear. Three {
ich their number rode ahead, and had got int
srs. the middle of the opening, when they weI
Ma fred on by about half the party of Indian
in the other half staying back TO share Il
Mr.. plunder when taken; but marvellous as
may seem, they killed neither of the hors
men, and but slightly wounded one, at ii
to discharge, and at the sight Of so many Il
lied dans, they turned back to meet their cor
Sta rados. The Indians chagrined at the
sed failure, all pursued with their utmost spOC
we'd amid loud yells, but what was their astol
to ishment, when at the distance Of about Of
mis- rods, at the brow Of what is now calle
'ac- Chambers hill, they met the fugitiyes r
it turning with the whole company, as it wei
Ugh in race. A few Indians discharged the
top. pieces, but without effect, while the hors
lila mems swords were cleaying their heads
|, to Flight was their only hope, and those wi
ro- escaned instant death made for the wood