Court of Inquiry on General Harmar.

from the time the whole Army took up the line of defeated. Colonel Hardin, told him (deponent) march until it returned to Fort Washington; but that the number which attacked him did not exhe was sorry to say, it was not the case with the ceed one hundred and fifty; and that, had his peopack-horses, the generality of the people employed ple fought, or even made a show of forming to in that department were ignorant of their duty, fight, he was certain the Indians would have run. indolent, and inactive; nor was it in the power of But, on the Indians firing, which was at a great the General to remedy these defects. The short-distance, the militia ran, numbers throwing away ness of the time for assembling and organizing the Army put it out of his power to look about and select fit characters; he was of course obliged to take those that offered. After he was in the woods, it was out of his power to exchange them for better, and punishments for neglect of duty were out of the question. The principles upon which the horses were employed induced the drivers who were chiefly parties in the business to lose and otherwise destroy them, rather than return them to their owners. By this means, the proprietors had a high appraisement paid them for their horses and daily pay for services until they were lost. By adding to the above the negligence of sentinels, he accounted for the number of horses lost, which, in his opinion, it was out of General Harmar's power to prevent.

After the Army was arranged, they continued their march, without any material occurrence, until the 13th, when the horse fell in with two Indians, and took one of them prisoner, who informed them that the Indians were not in force at the Maumee village. This day they reached a place called the French Store, at which place a Frenchman, who was then with the General as a guide, had lived. He informed that the village was about ten leagues distant. From this place, on the morning of the 14th, Colonel Hardin was detached, with six hundred men, to endeavor to surprise the Miami village. The Army moved at the same time, and, although it rained the whole day, they continued their march with diligence until late. The horse were ordered to be tied up this night, to enable the Army to move early the next day, which it did. This diligence of the Army on its march induced him to believe the General was endeavoring to guard against any disaster that might happen to Colonel Hardin, which he was of opinion would have been in his power; for Colonel Hardin had not gained more than four miles of the Army on the first day's march.

their arms; nor could he ever rally them. Major Ray confirmed the same. He did not know what influenced the detachment on the 21st; But, from the enemy being flushed with success on the 19th, it became necessary, if in his power, to give them a check, to prevent the Army from being harassed on its return, which they might have done, will readily be granted by every one who has the least knowledge of the Indians, and an Army encumbered with cattle and pack-horses, much worn down; and, although the detachment was not so fortunate, as was reasonably to have been expected, yet he firmly believed it prevented the savages from annoying their rear, as they never made their appearance after. With respect to supporting that detachment, which consisted of four hundred chosen troops, he always believed them superior to one hundred and fifty Indians, the greatest number yet discovered, had it not been for misconduct and disobedience of orders by the officers who were on the command. He understood that Major Ray's battalion had been advanced to cover them, which was as many as could possibly have been spared, taking into view that those in camp could not be depended on, and many were without arms, having thrown them away. To support the whole Army was impracticable, the pack-horses being weak and greatly reduced in numbers; the artillery horses very much reduced, and unable to undergo much more fatigue, but at the certain loss of the artillery; as it was, they were obliged to send to Fort Washington for horses to assist in hauling it in. The march of the Army was regular and well conducted as was possible to be done with militia. With respect to the General's conduct, report says that he was intoxicated all the campaign, and unable to execute the important duties of his station. He (deponent) had mentioned his commanding the artillery, which was posted at the head of the centre column, and here the General chiefly was during the march. Of course he had an opportunity of seeing and being On the 17th, the army arrived at the Miami with him through the day. In the morning he village. Here were evident signs of the enemy received his orders from him, and, when they having quitted the place in the greatest confusion. halted to encamp, he chiefly pointed out the ground Indian dogs and cows came into their camp this where the artillery should be posted. His duty day, which induced the belief that the families were called him often to his tent before they marched not far off. A party of three hundred men, within the morning, and after they halted in the eventhree days' provisions, under the command of Co-ing; in short, had he been given to drunkenness, lonel Trotter, was ordered (as he understood) to he had as good an opportunity of seeing it as any examine the country around their camp, but, con- other officer in the Army. Yet he declared, that, trary to the General's orders, returned the same from their leaving Fort Washington until their evening. This conduct of the Colonel's did not return, he never saw General Harmar intoxicated, meet the General's approbation, and Colonel Har- or so as to render him unfit for the execution din, anxious for the character of his countrymen, of any duties. In him, and his abilities as an offiwished to have the command of the same detach-cer, he placed the greatest confidence, never doubtment for the remaining two days, which was ing in his orders, but obeying with cheerfulness, given him. This command marched on the morn- being conscious they were the production of exing of the 19th, and was the same day shamefully perience and sound judgment.

Court of Inquiry on General Harmar.

Question first by the Court. What were your of orders. Colonel Hardin, wishing to retrieve reasons for thinking punishment for neglect of duty out of the question?

Answer. The state of the Army being such that it obliged the General not to do anything that

would tend to irritate the militia.

Question by the Court. Is it your opinion that the organization of the Army was a judicious one; such, alone, as was well calculated for the security of the troops ?

Answer. It is my opinion that it was the most judicious organization that could be made, and calculated for the interest of the United States.

Question by the Court. Is it your opinion that the order of encampment was a judicious one, and that the extreme parts were so disposed as were calculated to give security to the Army and its appendages?

Answer. I think no better disposition could have

been made.

Question by the Court. Do you think the order of battle calculated so as to have been easy of execution and easily formed?

Answer. I think it was the best that could have been formed, and well calculated for covering the appendages of the Army?

Question by the Court. Do you know the General's motives for making the detachments of the 14th, 19th, and 21st October?

the character of the militia, asked the General's permission to take out the same detachment on the 19th, which was granted.

Question by the Court. What motives led Colonel Hardin at such a distance as fifteen miles from camp?

Answer. I understood that he got on the trails of the Indians, and that he had discovered an Indian on horseback about one mile from where he fell in with their main body.

Question by the Court. Upon hearing of the defeat of that detachment, did you understand that the General ordered any support?

Answer. I don't know that he did; the first intelligence of the defeat was brought us by those who were defeated, late in the evening.

Question by the Court. Do you know the motives for the detachment of the 21st, either from the General himself, or any of his confidential officers?

Answer. I do not know from the General; but it was my opinion, as well as that of other officers, that the defeat of the 19th had so panic-struck the Army, that had the Indians attacked on the retreat it might have been lost, which induced the General to send the detachment in the rear.

tinied?

Question by the Court. Had the General ordered another detachment upon the ground where Answer. I do not know the General's motives the defeat of the 19th happened, do you think the for making the detachment of the 14th, but I sup-militia would have gone, or would they have mupose it was for the purpose of surprising the Maumee village, as we had taken an Indian the day before, who gave us information that the Indians were in great confusion there, and that they were not in force, and very much divided in their councils. We expected to surprise them before they separated.

Question by the Court. What were the movements of the Army after that detachment was made?

Answer. I am rather inclined to think they would not have gone.

Question by the Court. With respect to the general conduct of General Harmar, in the course of the campaign, is it your opinion that it was judicious, and in every respect commendable?

Answer. I do think it was perfectly so; I have the greatest confidence in, and good opinion of. his military abilities.

Answer. We continued our march next day Captain Strong being sworn, deposed: That he until an express arrived to inform us that the In- knew of no circumstance during the whole camdians had evacuated the village, when we halted.paign that could in his opinion affect the military Question by the Court. What was the distance between the main body and the detachment? Answer. About four miles.

Question by the Court. Do you think that the Army was within supporting distance when the detachment was made?

character of the General; that the organization of the Army appeared to his judgment extremely judicious, and such he believed was the general opinion of the officers; that the order of the march seemed to him no less judicious and military in all parts; that the order of encampment and battle Answer. On the first day we were. met, if he mistook not, with the approbation of Question by the Court. Do you know what in- every officer able to judge of it; that the motives duced the General to make the detachment of which influenced the detachments of the 14th. the 19th? 19th, and 21st October, appeared to him to be a question that could only be answered by the General, or perhaps by his confidential officers, or those more immediately attached to his person; that he had reason to believe that those detachments were not properly supported, but it was his opinion, at the same time, that the fault lay not with the General, who had given orders in each case that were not complied with, at least until it was too late.

Answer. The day preceding that on which the detachment was made, Indian dogs, and cattle came into our camp, which led us to believe the Indians were near us, more especially as they had left their village in such haste. I suppose it was for the purpose of examining the country around the camp. A detachment of three hundred men, under the command of Colonel Trotter, with three days' provision, was made on the 18th, with orders to continue out three days, but which, nevertheless, returned into camp the same evening. The General appeared displeased at their disobedience

Question by the Court. With respect to support in the action of the 21st, was there any support ordered that you know of?

Court of Inquiry on General Harmar.

Answer. I was present when the order was given to Major Ray to move with his battalion to support Major Wyllys.

Question by the Court. Do you know what distance they marched for that purpose, or how long they were gone from the Army?

Answer. I do not recollect perfectly how long, but I think it was not long.

Question by General Harmar. Is it your opinion that the making the detachment under Major Wyllys was attended with good consequences to the Army, or not?

Question by the Court. Was you in the first engagement of the Army?

Answer. I was in the action of the 19th of
October.

Question by the Court. Was you in the detach-
Answer. I was not.

Answer. I think it was attended with useful ment of the 14th? consequences to the Army.

The Court then adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M.
THREE O'CLOCK, P. M.

Question by the Court. Did the order of battle, on the 19th, appear to you to be a judicious one? Answer. I think it was not a judicious one. Question by the Court. Who was the officer who commanded the troops in that action? Answer. Colonel Hardín.

Question by the Court. In what manner did you attack the enemy; was it in columns, or did you display in any regular order?

Answer. We were attacked in front of columns. Question by the Court. When you were attacked, were you ordered to display, or form in any regular order?

Answer. No.

The Court met agreeably to adjournment. Lieutenant Hartshorn was sworn, and deposed: That he knew of no circumstance during the whole campaign that could, in his opinion, affect the military conduct of the General; that the organization of the Army appeared to his judgment extremely judicious, and such, he believed, was the general opinion of the officers; that the order of march seemed to him no less judicious and military in all its parts; that the order of encampment and battle met, if he mistook not, with the approbation of every officer able to judge of it; that the motives which influenced the detachments of the 14th, 19th, and 21st of October, appeared to him to be a question that could only be answered by the General, and perhaps by his confidential offi-charge them. cers, or those more immediately attached to his person; that, as to the question of support, he had reason to believe the detachment was not properly supported, but it was his opinion, at the same time, that the fault lay not with the General, who had given orders in each case that was not complied with, at least until it was too late.

Question by the Court. Do you know, sir, in the course of the campaign, from the time the Army left Fort Washington until its return to that place, any circumstance that could militate against the military character of the General ?

Answer. I know of none.

Question by the Court. Do you know of any unnecessary delays?

know

Answer. None at all; far from it; every thing was done to get forward the Army. Question by the Court. Does any instance of inebriety in the General come within your ledge, during the course of the campaign? Answer. I know of none. Question by the Court. So far as you are a judge of the organization of the Army, do you think it was proper and judicious?

Answer. So far as I could judge, I think it was extremely judicious.

Question by the Court. Had you any conversation with the officers of the Army on the subject of the organization of the Army?

Answer. I had; and with those who I think were judges, who thought it to be very good. Question by the Court. Did the arrangement of march appear to be so connected as to be able to support each other in case of attack?

Question by the Court. In what manner did you oppose the enemy when you were attacked? Answer. By endeavoring to form the line to

Question by the Court. What troops came within your notice that attempted to form when charged?

Answer. Not more than thirty Federal troops. and ten militia.

Question by the Court. How many militia had

you?

Answer. I don't know.

Question by the Court. What became of the rest of the militia?

Answer. They gave way and ran.

Question. Do you think that if the militia in that action had been properly formed, and in time, that they would have been sufficient to have beat the enemy?

Answer. They were.

Question by the Court. Do you know the motives for making the detachment on the 14th?

Answer. It was supposed for the purpose of gaining the Maumee village before the Indians left it, as we were informed they were preparing to leave it.

Question by the Court. Is that your own opinion? Answer. It is, and was the general opinion in camp.

Question by the Court. What was the result of the action of the 19th; were the Continental troops and the ten militia defeated?

Answer. They were cut to pieces, except six or seven.

Question by the Court. Do you know from headquarters, or from any principal officers of the Army, what were the motives for making the detachment of the 19th?

Court of Inquiry on General Harmar.

Question by the Court. What time did you return to the Army from the action of the 21st? Answer. About 5 o'clock, P. M.; the action commenced soon after day-light.

Question by the Court. Did you see anything of the detachment under Major Ray on your return?

Answer. I saw only a party three miles from the camp, under Captain Craig, that were going to our support.

Question by the Court. What was the disposition of the militia after they returned to the Army; were they well affected to the service and orderly?

Answer. I think they were very disorderly, and very inattentive to their duty, and some appearances of mutiny among them, with both officers and men, and turned out upon one occasion, particularly, to oppose a punishment that had been ordered by the General.

Question by the Court. Do you remember any thing of General Harmar's ordering his cannon to fire upon them?

Answer. I remember that General Harmar once said, that if the militia behaved again in so scandaor-lous a manner, that he would order his cannon to fire on them.

Ensign Britt being sworn, deposed: That, with Question by General Harmar. Upon the first respect to the personal conduct of General Harintelligence, do you recollect any support I or-mar, he knew that he was indefatigable in making dered?

Court of Inquiry on General Harmar.

Maumee village were in great consternation and confusion, and the prospects were, they might be easily defeated if found in that situation; that, in order to support this detachment, the horses of the Army were ordered to be tied up at night, so that the whole Army might be ready to march early in the morning, which was done accordingly; and that, when Colonel Hardin reached the village, the main body was not more than five or six miles in his rear; that the detachment under Colonel Trotter was ordered to reconnoitre for three days the neighborhood, to endeavor to find out the savages, who had fled from their towns; that this party returned the evening of the same day they started, and next morning Colonel Hardin marched with the same party and fell in with the Indians; that an engagement ensued, in which he was routed, owing to the cowardly behaviour of the militia under his command; that the motives which he conceived led to detaching the party under Major Wyllys, on the 21st, were that the Indians, having avoided engaging the whole Army, would collect at their towns, and harass the rear and flanks as much as possible on its return, and a stroke at them before they could assemble in large bodies, would prevent their doing it with much effect; that the party accordingly met with the Indians, and a battle followed, in which numbers were killed on both sides; that the moment the news of this arrived in camp, Major Ray, with his battalion of Kentucky militia, was ordered to march to the support of Major Wyllys, but that he did not proceed far before he returned.

Question by the Court. Did you, at any time in the course of the campaign, perceive that eral Harmar was intoxicated?

situation; that every step was taken by him that prudence and military knowledge could suggest, the circumstances of the Army would permit, or that necessity required.

Lieutenant Denny being sworn, deposed: That General Harmar began his preparations for the campaign soon after the 15th July, and that every day was employed in the most industrious manner; that the calculations for provisions, horses, and stores were immediately made out, and orders given accordingly; that great exertions were used by Captain Ferguson to get in readiness the artillery and military stores; and, indeed, every officer was busily engaged, under the eye of the General, in fitting out necessary matter for the expedition, but particularly the Quartermaster-not a moment's time appeared to be lost; 15th and 16th September, the Kentucky militia arrived, but instead of seeing active riflemen, such as is supposed to inhabit the frontiers, they saw a parcel of men, young in the country, and totally inexperienced in the business they came upon, so much so that many of them did not even know how to keep their arms in firing order; indeed, their whole object seemed to be nothing more than to see the country, without rendering any service whatever. A great many of their guns wanted repairs; and, as they could not put them in order, our artificers were obliged to be employed; a considerable number came without any guns at all; Kentucky seemed as if she wished to comply with the requisitions of Government as ineffectually as possible, for it was evident that about two-thirds of the men served only to swell their numbers-19th Gen-September, a small detachment of Pennsylvania militia arrived, and the 25th of September Major Doughty, with two companies of Federal troops, joined them from Muskingum. Governor St. Clair had arrived from New York the 22d, and Doctor Allison being sworn, deposed: That the the remains of the Pennsylvania militia came on organization of the Army, the orders of march, en- the 25th. The militia last mentioned were simicampment, and battle, were questions which would lar to the other-too many substitutes. The Genbe more amply answered by a reference to the eral lost no time in organizing them, though he Orderly Book, than they could be from the mere met with many difficulties-the Colonels were relation of an individual, or from any other official disputing for the command, and the one most poinformation; that, as to the motives which in-pular was least entitled to it. The General's defluenced the detachments of the 14th, 19th, and sign was to reconcile all parties, which he accom21st October, those were questions which, if an- plished after much trouble. The Kentuckians swered at all, must be merely speculative opinions, composed three battalions, under Majors Hall, which it was not always prudent to divulge, nor McMullen, and Ray, with Lieutenant Colonel would they, in his judgment, be admitted as evi- Commandant Trotter at their head. The Penndence, or even perused by any tribunal, and there-sylvanians were formed into one battalion under fore were nugatory; as he had not the honor of Lieutenant Colonel Trubey and Major Paul, the being in the Cabinet, it was utterly out of his whole to be commanded by Colonel John Hardin, power to give any other; that, as soon as the subject to the orders of General Harmar. That, news arrived of the misfortune of the third de- on the 26th of September, the militia marched on tachment, a reinforcement was immediately or- the route towards the Indian towns; the 30th, the dered by the General, but whether it actually set General having got forward all the supplies that out, or what induced it to return, he could not say, he expected, he moved out with the Federal or whether sufficiently strong, he did not conceive troops, formed into two small battalions under the himself a judge; his situation as surgeon pre-immediate command of Major Wyllys and Major vented a minute attention to every, or indeed any of the arrangements of the Army; yet, as far as they came within his view or knowledge, they were judicious and uniform; that every attention was paid to the Army, by the General, in every

Answer. I did not; I lived in the General's family, and should have known it, had anything of that kind happened.

Doughty, together with Captain Ferguson's company of artillery, and three pieces of ordnance. On the 3d of October, General Harmar joined the advanced troops early in the morning; the remaining part of the day was spent in forming the line