stuck in the ground. Tecumseh was dressed in red speckled leggings and a fringed hunting shirt; he lay stretched directly towards Colonel Johnson. When we went up to the Colonel, we offered to help him; he replied with animation, "Knaggs, let me lay here and push on and take Proctor." However, we liberated him from his dead horse, took his blanket from his saddle, placed him in it and bore him off the field. I had known Tecumseh from my boyhood we were boys together. There was no other Indian immediately around where Tecumseh and Colonel Johnson lay, though there

were many near the small creek a few rods back of the place where Tecumseh fell. I had no doubt then and have none now that Tecumseh fell by the hand of Colonel Johnson.

Colonel Johnson stated at the time and afterward often reiterated it, that he killed an Indian with his pistol, who was advancing upon him at the time his horse fell under him. The testimony of Captain Knaggs shows conclusively that it could have been no other than Tecumseh. The foregoing transaction is of no little importance in our history, as the ball that bore with it the fate of the great Indian warrior dissolved at once the last great Indian confederacy and gave peace to our frontier.

Some thirteen months intervened between the surrender of General Hull and the occupation of Detroit and River Raisin by Colonel McArthur, during the most of which time the Territory was under martial law, the inhabitants were plundered and subject to every kind of indignity, and nearly all of the inhabitants. that were prominent and that had been identified in sympathy and feeling with the American cause were, in the midst of a bitter cold winter, compelled to leave the country by the barbarous and inhuman command of Colonel Proctor.

Notices, of which the following is a copy, were sent to the prominent men of Detroit, viz. :

"I am ordered by Colonel Proctor to say that he expects you will be prepared to leave the

country on Friday next, in company with a number of American citizens from this place. (Signed) WILLIAM JONES."

These orders were followed by a protest that was very numerously signed and presented to Colonel Proctor by the citizens, a copy of which follows:

"Whereas, it has been signified to us, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, resident at Detroit, in the Territory of Michigan, by Colonel Henry Proctor, the British com

manding officer, that it is his will and pleasure

we should depart from and leave the said Territory, and he so orders and directs it, leaving behind us at the same time, as we necessarily must, our dearest families and relatives, exposed to the cruelties and evils incident to a state of war, and our property at the mercy of the maurading savages."

This appeal was disregarded, and the citizens in the month of February were compelled to leave. The Canadians living in Detroit were protected from plunder by marking their cattle with a red mark, while the American citizens suffered the loss of all of their property. At this time the residents at the River Raisin were reduced to such a state of starvation that they resorted to boiling down hay, using it as a substitute for tea, for nourishment. To give some idea of the destitution at Detroit and the River Raisin Judge Woodward writes thus to James Monroe, Secretary of War:

"The desolation of this country is boy ond all conception. No kind of flour or meal is to be procured, and nothing for the subsistence of cattle, no animals for slaughter, and more than half of the population destitute of any for domestic or agricultural purposes; the fencing of the farms entirely destroyed by the incursions of the enemy for fuel for the military; their houses left without glass, and in many instances even the flooring burned; their clothing plundered from them by the Indians. It is a literal fact, and it will scarcely be deemed possible to shock the feelings of human nature so much as to state it, that the inhabitants of the River Raisin have been obliged to resort to chopped hay, boiled, for subsistence. Many, possessing neither firmness of mind or body sufficient to sustain the calamities with which they have been assailed, have sunk into

the asylum where the wicked cease to trouble and the weary are at rest.”

In reply to these representations the Secretary of War authorized Governor Cass to distribute $1,500 to the settlers on the River Raisin, and the money was expended in flour. Every precaution was used in the distribution, and in order that this might not be misapplied the Governor determined "that a certificate should

be given by the commanding officer of the company in whose bounds the applicant resides, stating his infirmity or inability to support himself, which certificate shall, if the person be of the Roman Catholic religion, be countersigned by the Rev. Mr. Richard and a justice of the peace, and if a person is not of the Roman Catholic religion it shall be countersigned by two justices of the peace.”

THE

HE following reports and correspondence between Colonel Proctor and General Sheaffe were obtained from the archives of the Canadian capital by Judge Woodward:

SANDWICH, January 25, 1813.

Major-General Sheaffe, Fort George

MY DEAR GENERAL: In my last dispatch I acquainted you that the enemy was in the Michigan Territory and that he was marching on Detroit. I therefore deemed it requisite that he should be attacked without delay and with all and every description of force within my reach. Early on the morning of the 19th inst. I was informed of his being in possession of Frenchtown, on the River Raisin, twentysix miles from Detroit. After experiencing every resistance that Major Reynolds, of the Essex militia, had it in his power to make with a three-pounder well served and directed by Bombardier Kitson, of the Royal Artillery, and the militiamen whom he had well trained to the use of it, the retreat of the gun was covered by a brave band of Indians, who made the enemy pay dearly for what he obtained. The Indians fell back eighteen miles to Brownstown, the settlement of the brave Wyandots, where I directed my forces to assemble. On the 21st inst. I advanced twelve miles to Swan Creek, whence we marched to the enemy and attacked him at break of day on the 22d inst., and after experiencing for our number a considerable loss, about half of the enemy's forces posted in houses and enclosures, and which in the dread of falling into the hands of the Indians they most obstinately defended, at last surrendered at discretion. The other part of their force, in attempting to return whence they came, were, I believe, all, or perhaps excepting a very few, killed by the Indians. Brigadier-General. Brigadier-General Winchester was taken in the pursuit by the Wyandot chief, Round-Head. He was cut off

from those who were posted and whom he afterward surrendered.

I had much difficulty in bringing the Indians to consent to the sparing of the lives of those that were wounded. You will perceive that I have lost no time; indeed, there was none to spare, as they would have been joined by Mr. Harrison in a few days, and the people of Detroit had already begun to show themselves. The troops, the marines and militia displayed great bravery; all behaved well. Where so much zeal and spirit was displayed by all, it would be unjust to attempt to particularize. I shall only mention some of the wounded : Lieutenant Colonel St. George, who received four wounds in a gallant attempt to occupy a building favorably situated by the enemy for our annoyance; Lieutenant Kerr, of the Royal N. F. L. regiment, who I fear is very dangerously wounded (since dead). The zeal and courage of the Indian department never were more conspicuous than on this occasion. The Indian warriors displayed their usual courage. I am much indebted to the different departments, the troops, etc., having been well and timely supplied with every requisite the district can afford. We feel the insufficiency of surgical assistance. If the Indians had not appeared quite as soon in the enemy's rear, which deterred them from quitting their fastness, scarcely a man could have escaped death.

I send my aid-de-camp, Acting Lieutenant McLean, with this dispatch. He will be able to answer any questions respecting the affairs at Frenchtown that you may be desirous of asking concerning our situation here generally.

I have decided to the best of my judgment respecting the prisoners, which is to send them by the River Thames, to be passed over on your frontier. The reasons for not sending them back the route by which they came are so obvious that I shall not, except required, ob

trude them on you. Indeed, I see no option or arrangement that could be made but the one directed. I fortunately have not been deprived of the services of Lieutenant Troughton, of the Royal Artillery, and acting in the quartermaster-general's department. Though he was wounded, I am indebted much to his zeal and unwearied exertions. I could wish his continuance in the quartermaster-general's department. Were it not unjust to particularize any corps, where all did their utmost, I would mention the zeal and courage of the Royal Artillery. Each officer is deserving of being named, could I do it within the compass of a dispatch. I enclose a list of the killed and wounded. I lament there being so many of both, but of the latter a large portion will soon return to duty, and most of them before long. Before the reduction of my force I had too few for the defense of the frontier. May I not hope that you will send me a company of the Forty-First Regiment? You are aware of the insufficiency of my means. I also send a return of the arms, ammunition, etc., taken on the 22d inst.; likewise of the prisoners, whom you will perceive to be equal to my utmost force, exclusive of the Indians, who though a powerful aid are an uncertain one, being dependent on success, and which would have strongly appeared had I failed on the 22d inst. Nor could I have been sure of the militia in the event of any disaster. I have not heard it officially, but I believe a party of the enemy of 100, bringing 500 hogs for General Winchester's force, has been completely cut off. I shall defer until the next opportunity, which shall be in a few days, saying anything more, having already detained Lieutenant McLean too long, of whose courage and exertions displayed on the 22d inst. I would speak, did I think it just to attempt particularizing any one, especially when I may be supposed partial. I remain, my dear General, faithfully yours,

HENRY PROCTOR, Colonel Commanding.

Extract from a letter from Colonel Proctor :

SANDWICH, February 1, 1813.

I have hastened off for many reasons the General and the other prisoners, excepting the wounded, and a few others whom the Indians are bringing in. I shall also be under the ne

cessity of sending several from the depot of treachery, Detroit. I shall endeavor to send correct returns (nominally) of both, with my recommendation of the disposal of the latter. My opinion of the enemy is not more favorable than it was, from what I have seen and heard of them. They were armed with knives and tomahawks, and some of them used them; they fired at the wounded as they lay on the ground, themselves behind enclosures and in buildings. Every art, every means have been employed to prejudice and influence these misguided people against us. There have been some instances, I am sorry to say, of Indian barbarity, but the example was set by the enemy, and they came to seek them I know one shall be vilified, for the truth is not in them. I have not anything to accuse myself of.

I enclose you an extract of a letter from General Winchester just previous to his departure. I also enclose returns, by which you will perceive what my force was when I attacked the enemy and what it is at present. If you do not send me as many as will replace those who are in consequence of the affair of the 22d unfit for service, I mean of the Forty-First Regiment, very serious consequences may follow the enemy's advance, which should be expected, and immediately. We shall do our duty, but that will not save the country though it may our credit. I have been given to understand that General Harrison is at the foot

of the rapids, so that no time should be lost in moving on, if they should not be already on the way here, whatever assistance can be af forded.

I fear I shall not be enabled, without delaying the express too long, to send you a more correct return of the prisoners than I already have done. You shall receive it, however, before the prisoners can reach you.

Major-General Sheaffe:

FEBRUARY 2D.

General Harrison has sent, with a flag of truce, the person to whom the enclosed order is directed. You will perceive his object to be the gaining of information. I shall keep the gentleman and send some person to him. He is at the foot of the rapids, and we may expect him with more thousands than I can find hundreds. The Indian force is a strong aid

when there is a probability of success, but any reverse would quickly disperse it. Our militia force depends also on success in a great measure. I have had some little experience of both. You will see how much I am in need of officers. The wounds are in general not dangerous; they are, however, severe ones. I shall say no more. My situation is well known to you, and I trust you will afford me speedy aid.

(Signed) HENRY PROCtor, Colonel Commanding.

WHEREAS, It hath been signified to us, the undersigned, citizens of the United States, residents of Detroit, in the Territory of Michigan, by Henry Proctor, the British commanding officer, that it is his will and pleasure we should depart from and leave the said Territory, and he so orders and directs it, leaving behind at the same time, as we necessarily must do, our dearest relatives exposed to all the casualties and evils incident to a state of war, and our property at the mercy of marauding savages:

Resolved, Therefore, that we consider the said order of the said Colonel Proctor as a flagrant and gross violation of the third article of the capitulation made and concluded at Detroit on the 16th day of August last, and by reason whereof this place was surrendered to the British flag.

Resolved, Secondly, that it is a duty we own to ourselves and to our country to resist manfully and spiritedly, by all the powers of reason and argument, every unwarrantable attempt upon our personal rights that is not strictly compatible with the articles of capitulation.

WHEREAS, We entertain a very sensible and thorough conviction that a military officer, by an unjustifiable and wanton invasion of the private rights of an individual, may not only incur the displeasure of his own Government but will lay himself personally responsible to the individual injured:

Resolved, Therefore, thirdly, that for every violation of our rights and privileges attended with an injury to our persons or property, we will make a solemn appeal in the dernier ressort to the umpire of the law.

Resolved, Fourthly, that we entertain a high sense of the honor of a military parole and the virtuous and delicate use that ought to be made

of it, as likewise the necessity and the propriety of a strict and exemplary neutrality as long as we remain under the British flag and are protected in our persons and property, agreeable to the true spirit and letter of the articles of capitulation.

Resolved, Fifthly, that if there are any amongst us whose conduct and behavior does not strictly comport with the spirit and meaning of the preceding resolutions, they ought not to be screened from punishment; but that it is our duty to assist in exposing them to the just animadversion and censure of their own improper conduct.

AND WHEREAS, We entertain a high sense of the manly, dignified and spirited conduct of Augustus B. Woodward, whose services have heretofore been as pre-eminently useful to the inhabitants :

Resolved, Therefore, sixthly, that he be presented with these resolutions with a request to lay them before the said Colonel Henry Proctor, and to use all lawful and honorable entreaty with him to obtain a revocation of his aforesaid order, so diametrically opposed to the aforesaid third article of capitulation, and so manifestly injurious at this particular season of the year to our persons and property. Dated Detroit, February 1st, 1813. Signed by twenty-nine persons.

MICHIGAN, January 31, 1813. The Hon. James Monroe, Secretary of State: SIR: I had the honor to transmit to you some days ago, simply under an envelope, some information for the friends of Messrs. Baker and McCarthy, and I now beg to transmit communications of a similar nature for twelve of the families.

In the battle of La Riviere Aux Raisins of the 22d of the month, and which terminated in a complete victory on the part of the British commander, the American general evidently committed four military errors.

First, His troops were posted on the left bank of the River Raisin, when they should have been, unquestionably, on the right.

Second, They were posted at the extremity of a public road, when, if posted on the left bank at all, they should have been in a situation that either fences or woods might have