Washington City, Nov. 30.

 Indian War ------ From the contents of the subjoined letter, it will be seen that the statements conveyed to us from private sources, of an engagement on the Wabash are certainly confirmed.  Gov. Harrison’s letter however affords a much more distinct idea of the action than any private letter we have seen.  While we are proud to learn the bravery of our troops, and of the volunteers, on an occasion which so severely tested it.  We cannot but regret the confidence in Indian faith which permitted a surprise from an insidious enemy known to be so near at hand.  Further light on the subject, however, may probably dispute this hasty impression, and by submitting facts of which we are not present apprised, give a different aspect of the whole affair.

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Extract of letter from Governor Harrison to the Secretary of War, dated Headquarters near the Prophet’s Town, Nov. 8^th, 1811.

Sir, -- I have the honor to inform you, that the dawn of yesterday terminated an action between the troops under my command, and the whole of the prophets forts  Their precipitate retreat leaving a number of their warriors dead on the field, & the subsequent abandonment of their town, (which was partially fortified) attest for us a complete and decisive victory.  It has however, been dearly purchased.  A number of brave and valuable men have fallen victims to their zeal for their country’s service.  The behavior of the regulars and militia troops was such as would have done honor to veterans.  I arrived at my present position (a mile from the town) on the evening of the 6^th, instantly a correspondence was immediately opened with the Prophet, and there was every appearance of a successful termination of the expedition without bloodshed.

Indeed there was an agreement for a suspension of hostilities until a further communication should take place on the next day.  Contrary, however, to this engagement, he attacked me at half past four o’clock in the morning so suddenly that the Indians were in the camp before many of the men could get out of their tents.  A little confusion prevailed, but aided by the greatest exertions of the officers, I was soon enabled to form the men in order.  The companies which were hard pressed were supported, several successful charges made, and about day light the enemy were finally put to flight.  Our killed and wounded amounted to 179, of these 42 are now dead.

I have not been able to ascertain the number of Indians in the action, it must however been considerable.

The principal chief, of those Potawatimies [Potawatomi], who have joined the Prophet, is wounded, and in our possession.  I have taken care of him and shall send him back to his tribe.  At a more leisure moment, I shall do myself the honor to transmit a more particular account of the action, and of our previous movements, and am with the highest respect, sir, your humble servant.

Wm. H. Harrison,

 

Made possible by the Rivers Institute and the
History Department of Hanover College.

 

How to cite this article: “Extract of Letter from Governor Harrison," Louisiana Gazette (St. Louis, Louisiana Territory), 18 Jan. 1812, p. 3, available at http://history.hanover.edu/texts/1811.