Short Chronolgy, War of 1812

A SHORT CHRONOLOGY
The War of 1812 in the Northwest

1813--WINCHESTER'S CAMPAIGN, January 11-January 18.

1813, January 11. General Harrison receives information of Winchester's need for reinforcements -- the messenger had been delayed be- cause of snow storms. Harrison orders troops and a drove of hogs to be sent to Winchester.

1813, January 13. Two Frenchmen arrive in Winchester's camp and tell him that the Indians had threatened to burn Malden and kill the Inhabitants if they did not get help against the Americans. Other messengers arrive on the 14 and 16 with the same news. These messengers solicit help to keep the Indians from massacring the white Americans in the area of the Michigan Territory.

1813, January 16. General Harrison hears of General Winchester's arrival at the Rapids from General Simon Perkins. Reinforcements are collected and rushed to the scene. These consist of 300 men under Major Orr and go by way of the Portage River. Provisions are also ordered for- werd. A messenger is sent to General Winchester asking him for his plans.

1813, January 17. After a council of officers, General Winchester sends 550 under Colonel Lewis to the River Raisin. A few hours later a second detachment was sent (110 men) under Colonel Allen, Both encamped that night at Presque Isle. Winchester informs Harrison that he is planning to take Frenchtown and hold it. In the evening a message comes to Winchester that 400 Indians are at River Raisin and that Colonel Matthew Elliot [British] is expected from Malden with a detachment des- tined to attack the Rapids.

1813, January 18. Colonel Lewis sets out from Presque Isle, most of the marching being over the ice on Maumee Bay and along the border ot Lake Erie. When the detachment took the land route from the lake, they formed Into three detachments or troops. The right was commanded by Colonel Allen and composed of the companies of Captains McCracken, Bledsoe, and Matson. The left was commanded by Major Graves, and was composed of the companies of Captains Hamilton, Williams, and Kelly. The center consisted of the companies of Captains Hightower, Collier, and Sebree and was commanded by Major Madison. An advanced guard, consisting of the companies of Captains Hickman, Graves, and James, was placed under the command of Captain Ballard. When the de- tachment had arrived within 1/4 of a mile of the village and had discovered they enemy, they formed for attack. When the enemy refused to fight in an open field, the detachment broke off on the right by companies and marched under the fire of the enemy's cannon until they arrived at the river, when small arms were fired. The line of battle then formed and an order for a general charge was given. The enemy were among houses and garden pickets on the north side of the river. Graves and Madison were ordered to dis- lodge them and succeeded. The enemy then fled to the right and were met by Allen, who pursued them 1/2 mile into the woods. Then Graves and Madison were ordered to get possession of the woods on the left and to support Allen. The enemy kept constantly in retreat, and were driven for 2 miles. The action commenced at 3P.M. and continued until dark. There were 12 k lled and 55 wounded of the United States troops, Hickman, Matson, and Ballard among the latter. The enemy had been commanded by Major Reynolds who had 100 British regulars and 400 Indians. Following the battle, a message was sent to Winchester, which arrived at the Rapids on the morning of the 19th.

A SHORT CHRONOLOGY The War of 1812 in the Northwest

A SHORT CHRONOLOGY
The War of 1812 in the Northwest