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HARRISON TO EUSTIS

(No. 18)

Head Quarters Franklinton

26th Octr 1812

Sir,

Brigadier Generals Perkins and Beall of the detachment under the Command of Genl Wadsworth arrived here last Evening. I learn from them that the directions which were given by Gov. Meiggs for opening a road from a point near Mansfield to lower Sandusky has not been executed. Genl beall was in the Execution of this order and was stopped by General Wadsworth the order was reiterated by the Governor and again counter- manded by Gen Wadsworth. His singular motives for doing this are explained in the enclosed extract of his letter to me received last Evening. I have repeatedly been informed that the road which was laid out in July last from Sandusky to the Miami Rapids would prove a very good one when pro- perly opened I now find from General Beall who was one of the Commiss- ioners that it will not be passable for Waggons after the autumnal rains unless it is causewayed for fifteen Miles. This intelligence is extreme- ly embarrassing and leave me only a choice of difficulties. There can however be no doubt that the swamp may easily [be] passed after it becomes Frozen, but this cannot be calculated upon as Genl Perkins informs me before the first of January. There is however a possibility of using the beach of the lake from Sandusky to the Miami bay. It is so important that I should correctly understand every thing which relates to the San- dusky route that I have determined to proceed thither immediately. I have the Honor to enclose you a letter from Major Genl. Hopkins explaining his situation and prospects. I also enclose a letter from Mr. Johnson containing a similar account of the Conduct of the Miamis with that formerly forwarded from Mr Stickney. I believe that a majority of Chiefs are desiruous to remaining Neutral and two or three of them are no doubt our friends, but the hostile disposition of the greater part of the Tribe cannot be doubted. Their declining to send in Hostages after having positively engated to do it has been occasioned by their being relieved from the fears of General Hopkins's Army, which they informed William Conner had returned from Fort Harrison. It remains for the Pre- sident to say what shall be done with the Miamis. I should be pleased to save a few of the Chiefs but the base ingratitude with which the greater part of the Tribe have conducted themselves towards us merits in my opinion the severest Chastisement. And in my opinion every motion of justice and policy demands its infliction. The Honbl. Mr McKee and I believe Colo. R. M. Johnson was present at my agreement with the Miami Chiefs upon the subject of the Hostages. Colo Johnson will also inform you that the proofs of their Hostility was so decided that a Council of War at Fort Wayne unanimously advised that they should be considered as Enemies. The Gentlemen who recorded the proceedings of the Council has never put them into my hands and he is at present with the left Wing of the Army. Nothing can be more easy than to surprise the Miami Town of Mississiniway with Mounted Men. I have engaged Colo. McArthur to under- take it if it is not considered a violation of his parole. Indeed the force of the Expedition would principally be composed of those who served in Gen Hulls army if they are authorised to undertake it. It must be observed that the Miamis have never joined the British and their Hostility has been confined to our Territory.

I am sorry to inform you of the failure of another Expedition of the Ohio Mounted Men. Colonel Trimble whom as I informed you was sent to surprise the White Pigeons Town on the head warers of the St Josephs of the lake was abandoned at Fort Wayne by nearly half of his command and was prevented from accomplishing his object with the ballance by the Treachery of one Guide and the Cowardice of the other. He destroyed however two small villages and would have killed and taken the Inhabitants but they were intentionally alarmed by one of the Guides. I have not yet received Col. Trimbles official report. The determination of the Presid- ent with respect to the Miamis will I hope meet me at Upper Sandusky on my return from the lake, The Conduct of Manarys Company of Rangers has been such as to destroy all confidence in it. I would have arrested him and his officers if I were not in hopes that the President would direct the whole Company to be disbanded. There certainly could be companies raised of that description that would be emenently useful but to be so the officers must be selected in a different manner from what they have been. Both the Companies raised in this state and that in Kentucky are entirely worthless because the officers are deficient in every quality which is necessary for their stations. Perry is a fool, a Coward and a Drunkard, Manary a poor old imbecil Creature and Gov Scott assured me that his Captain was as bad a one as could have been selected. The Companies have been uniformly recruited amongst their friends and neighbours and it is the principal object of the officers to screen them from duty. Amongst the Volunteers there are officers of tried Merit and with a little attention Men might be procured of the like Character. Genl Wadsworths whole command amounts to about 1000 Men, he is him- self a Major General and he has two Brigadiers in service also. The old Gentleman I believe full of Zeal but his age and infirmities under him unequal to the fatigue of a Winter Campaign. I believe he thinks him- self called into service by your. But I am persuaded that he has mis- understood your instructions.

I have the Honor to be &c. Wm Henry Harrison

Honble
William Eustis Esqr
Secy of War

46, 47