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OSL TUPPER TO MEIGS

Head Quarters
Miami Rapids Feb 16th 1813

Dr Governor

I have not w ritten you since we Marched from Mc Arthurs Blockhouse -- Our force there fit for duty was little over 400. -- it is now reduced to less than 200 privates -- The term of service of several of the companies have expired -- The men discharged Liberal as was the encouragement of the Legislature our ranks had been so thin'd by sickness, the remaining force disheartened that it had no effect -- I fear it will be thought pri- vate feelings that I might have [illeg.] has induced me to counteract the designs of the Legislature, -- Tho! my feelings on some subjects are sensable & sentiments in some cases hurry me into follies, I trust they have not, nor ever will swerve me from my duty when the honer, the safety, the liberty or lives of our citizens are jeopardized --

I certainly laboured as far as you have have asked and you present to enduce those troops to reengage, till I offend many who were my friends, & drew down a suspicion from some that I did it with a view to continue in service -- The men had strong reason it must be acknowledged for returning to their families - You will recollect a great part of them was hastily assembled, much of their crops was wasted for want of persons to gather them - to have extended their service two other months would deprive them of planting the approaching season -- add to this that their numbers were few: & those few much disheartened, no wonder they should decline a further service - I lament what I could not controul - I feel an anxiety for the approaching campaign which appears to me to interest the people of Ohio beyond any period known since our settlement -- If the British direct the Operations of the savage, our frontiers will present a hored Spectacle unless opposed by vigerous Measures -- Gen Harrison will not abandon this post -- This will protect in a great Mea- sure the Upper part of our state -- Tecumseh I am convinced was dis- affected to the British in the fall, when they refused to Attack Win- chester, he Ieft them on his return at the rapids - he I have no doubts will commence his war fare from Urbana Southward, & a bloody one I fear it will be -

I do not expect to continue my command above four days -- It would bd a very agreeable circumstance to me to meet you on my return -- but fear you will have returned to Marietta -

I have the honor to be very respectfully yr. Most Obt H St

Edw W Tupper