Anniversary of the River Raisin Massacre: 'Remember the Raisin'

From The Press (Toledo, Ohio)

JANUARY 22, 1813

The River Raisin Massacre takes place near Frenchtown Township in Michigan (Near Monroe).

Hundreds of American troops under the command of General Winchester are killed by the British and Indians.  The attack is led by Chief Tecumseh and the it became a rallying cry for American troops for the rest of the war.

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I'm not so sure that hundreds of American soldiers were massacred.  After Winchester's surrender to the British, Americans were taken by them and some sixty of the worst wounded were left behind.  When the Indians came on the 22nd, those that could travel were taken and those that couldn't were put to the tomahawk.

The cry "Remember the Raisin" was heard after this.

--Brock-Perry

Events Occurring in January: Battle of New Orleans, Britain Declares War, River Raisin Massacre

From the January American Battlefield Trust 2023 calendar.

JANUARY 8, 1815

**  Battle of New Orleans, Louisiana

JANUARY 9, 1813

**  Great Britain declares war on the United States.  (The U.S, declared war in June 1812.)

JANUARY 13, 1813

**  John Armstrong replaces William Eustis as Secretary of War.

JANUARY 18, 1813

**  American forces seize Frenchtown, Michigan Terrirory.

JANUARY 22, 1813

**  The Battle of River Raisin; roughjly 40 to 60 American soldiers are killed in what became kniown as "The River Raisin Massacre."

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Massacre-- Part 12: 'Remember the Raisin' and Aftermath

This deliberateness of behavior from the Indians did not diminish, and perhaps intensified, the horror many survivors later described.  Indeed, the most vivid recollections related to to the systematic nature of the killings and treatment of the remains.

The battle ended in what was described as a "national calamity" by Major General, and later president of the United States, William Henry Harrison.  

It also left an impact on the broader American consciousness.  The Americans who pushed north to liberate Detroit went to destroying the British-Canadian-Indian coalition in the west at the Battle of the Thames, near present-day Chatham, Ontario, on October 5, 1813.

Fueled by the battle cry, "Remember the Raisin!" their massive victory sealed the War of 1812 in the western theater for the United States, claimed the life of the great Shawnee leader Tecumseh, and resulted in the end the American Indian Confederation.

In an even broader sense, the aftermath of these battles resulted in the implementation of the U.S. policy of Indian removal from the Northwest Territory at the conclusion of the War of 1812, leading to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, a policy that continues to resonate today.

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Massacre-- Part 11: Was It an Orderly, Utilitarian Massacre?

As Dr. Gustavus Bower later described what transpired with the Indians:  "They did not molest any person or thing upon their first approach, but kept sauntering about until there were a large number collected (one or two hundred) at which time they began plundering the houses of the inhabitants and the massacre of the wounded prisoners."

Even then, the killings followed a method that -- however brutal -- might be described as utilitarian.  The wounded who could nottravel were the primary victims, and they were killed swiftly.  The looting, the taking of able-bodied and the burning of buildings and structures were done methodically --  Dr. John Todd, a surgeon with the Kentucky 5th Regiment Volunteer Militia later described these actions as a kind of "orderly conduct."

(By the way, seeing the name John Todd in the paragraph above and him being from Kentucky, I had to wonder if this man might be related to Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.  He was.  He was her uncle.  Small world.  For more on him in the War of 1812 click on the label below.)

(I am taking these last two paragraphs directly from the article and have a hard time accepting them.  There is no such a thing as a utilitarian or orderly conduct massacre.)

A Massacre Is a Massacre.   --Brock-Perry

Horrors of the River Raisin-- Part 10: A National Calamity Turned Into a Rallying Cry

When the British departed, they left the Americans who were too wounded to walk in the homes of the French inhabitants under a small guard of British troops.  On January 23, in retaliation for past brutalities, Native warriors returned to the River Raisin to plunder, burn homes, killing and scalping many of the remaining Americans and taking others captive.

Official U.S. estimates of the aftermath include a dozen named individuals killed and up to 60 more who were probably killed in this manner.

The event became known as the "River Raisin Massacre" and was not a sudden burst of collective violence.  Rather, it began as a somewhat incredulous confirmation that no U.S. forces had arrived, then progressed to a deliberate taking of valuables and able-bodied captives that was later punctuated by the killing of the most severely wounded survivors.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Events in January

From the American Battlefield Trust January 2021 calendar.  (Also American Revolution)  This organization purchases land for preservation where battles were fought on American soil.

JAN. 3:  Battle of Princeton, N.J.  1777

JAN. 8:  Battle of New Orleans, La.  1815

JAN. 9:  Great Britain declares war on the U.S.  1812

JAN. 17:  Battle of Cowpens, S.C.  1781

JAN: 22:  Battle of River Raisin, Monroe, Mi.  1813

--Brock-Perry

Reading the Names of the Fallen at the River Raisin National Battlefield Today to Honor the Veterans

From the November 8, 2020, Ionia (Michigan) Sentinel Standard "Reading of names of the fallen to highlight Veterans Day  ceremony at battlefield" by Dean Cousino.

The reading of about 450 names of men from Monroe County will highlight a special Veterans Day Ceremony at  the River Raisin National Battlefield (Monroe County, Michigan) that is decorated with more than 500 American flags until November 15.  This is part of a "Field of Honor" program.

The battlefield park preserves and commemorates the  January 1813 battles between Americans and the British, Canadians and their Indian allies.  The battles and the "Remember  the Raisin!" battle cry,  and helped inspire a major American victory at the River Thames and were a major turning point in the War of 1812.

The 450 men and women whose names will be read, were from the Civil War.

The "Field of Honor" has more than 500 U.S. 3-by-5- foot flags on ten foot poles and will be lighted at night.

--Brock-Perry

Some More on the River Raisin Commemoration: "Remember the Raisin"

From the January 17, 2020, Monroe (Michigan) News  "River Raisin  Battlefield hosting commemoration Saturday" by Tyler Eagle.

Unfortunately,the speakers for Saturday were cancelled because of the inclement weather.  (Must have been what hit us here in northeast Illinois on Friday.)

But I will tells about the speakers anyway as they sounded very interesting.

The battle occurred on January  18 and January 22, 1813 and resulted in several hundred Americans slaughtered in what became known as the River Raisin Massacre, which later inspired  the "Remember the Raisin" slogan in reference to those massacred.

At 9 am,  author and historian Dr. Mary Stockwell was to deliver her presentation "Unlikely General:  'Mad' Anthony  Wayne and the Battle for America."  Wayne was a prominent American revolution general.

At 2:30, the museum was to host "The Archaeology of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812."

Ellen Kennedy of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo was to deliver a speech on  Great Lakes naval archaeological sites related to the war.

"Mapping the War of 1812  and Its Legacy" will take place on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 pm, given by former NPS ranger  Ron Jones on maps of the era.

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Events Commemorate War of 1812 This Weekend

From the January 17, 2020, Toledo (Ohio) Blade.

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Michigan, is commemorating  the War of 1812 battle that took place there this weekend.

For those of you who like a little alcoholic taste with your history, on Friday, today, the Battle of the Wines event will be held at the La-Z-Boy Center of the campus of Monroe County Community College from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.  Tickets are $40 and include nine wine tastings from  Michigan, Canada and France.  Food to pair with the wine will be provided.

The battle is also known as the Battles of Frenchtown, Battle of the River Raisin and River raisin Massacre.

The 207th commemoration of the battle, which took place January 18, 1812, and resulted in a major American defeat, is set for 9 am to 2:30 pm  at the battlefield's visitors center.  A musket and cannon demonstration at  11 am will be followed at noon by a remembrance ceremony.

On Sunday, Ron Jones  will give a presentation  at the visitor center mapping  the War of 1812 and its legacy from 1 to 2 pm.  Maps designed by Scottish cartographer John Melish will be on display.

Remember the Raisin  --Brock-Perry

Col. William Dudley-- Part 2: Initial Success

General William Henry Harrison, at Fort Meigs, sent a courier to Gen. Green Clay ordering him to take the offensive against the British battery on the other side of the of the Maumee River to drive them away and spike their cannons.  General Clay ordered Col. Dudley to take 800 men and accomplish this task.

On the morning of May 5, Dudley made his assault on the battery and succeeded in capturing it.  After this initial success, things quickly fell apart.  The soldiers with the tools to spike the guns accidentally landed on the other side of the river..  Dudley's men, however, did have some success spiking them with bayonets and ramrods.

Then, the Kentuckians came under fire by Indians in the woods.  Determined to avenge their fellow soldiers who had been slaughtered at the River Raisin Massacre the previous year, they charged into the woods against their officers' orders.

--Brick-Perry

Toasting the War of 1812 Veterans-- Part 2: To River Raisin, Kentucky and Ohio

5."The Brave Men Who Perished In The Massacre at the River Raisin in 1813"    They still live in our hearts.  Let us erect a monument to their memory, that they may live in the hearts of our children's children.  They made the city of Monroe memorable in history by their devotion to their country.  --Response by Hon. C.C. Trowbridge of Detroit.

6.  "Old Kentucky"  Once the dark and bloody battle ground, whose heroes fell alike at Tippecanoe,  the River Raisin, Fort Meigs,  the Thames and at New Orleans; always the same and good and brave . Kentucky.   --Response by Hon. W.P.  Thomason of Kentucky.

7.  "Ohio"  The eldest of the galaxy of the Northwest; bright as ever; may her luster never  die.  --Response by Mayor Jones of Toledo.

There are two monuments to the battle and massacre.

--Brock-Perry

1872 Reunion-- Part 18: Still Honoring the River Raisin Dead

The mayor continued talking to the men of Kentucky:

"Beside you  are the noble band of pioneers whose strong will and sturdy hands have caused this wilderness to blossom  into such rich profusion, and they from their hearts do welcome you.  And so as they and all of us in our daily round of life-cares, duties and memories, think of the past and  and of you we remember that the battle cry of Kentucky and Ohio, under Green Clay at Fort Meigs, the gallant Croghan at Sanduskey. Harrison at the Thames, Jackson at New Orleans and in every field was Remember the River Raisin.

"We, of Monroe,  all honor to him whose patriotic heart and liberal hand gave impulse, have caught up the slogan of your youth and day: we will remember the River Raisin and have resolved in your presence, over the graves of  fallen braves,  to pledge that veneration for your toils and sacrifices still lives with us,  that gratitude to you and all the fathers of the Republic is as strong, quick and deep a sentiment with us as with our fathers.

"And so remembering the River Raisin, and you and your dead in our care and keeping, we will build a monument."

Quite the Flowery Speech.  --Brock-Perry

1872 Reunion-- Part 16: "Those 300 Victims of Slaughter

The mayor continued:

"And this celebration and this welcome and these facts  are due to the memory of those brave men who fought, and to the memory of their brave comrades who left their bones on the Miami, Raisin and the Thames [rivers].

"From these graves and fields and from the graves of those 300  victims of the slaughter come a sad and solemn welcome to  those old  companions and comrades."

--Brock-Perry

1872 War of 1812 Reunion-- Part 4: A Shower of Bouquets Fell Everywhere

As the procession reached the Monroe street cemetery, where the Kentuckians who fell at the battle of the River Raisin are buried, it halted, the bands played a dirge, the flags were drooped, the military came to "shoulder arms,"  the Knights Templar made the "salute" of their order, and the veterans and civilians generally uncovered.

The grandstand was erected with the timbers, planks and boards from the recent residence of Dr. A.I. Sawyer, which was the building that General Winchester had his headquarters at the time of the celebrated battle and massacre of the Raisin, January 1813.

The Hon. Warner Wing, President of the Day, opened the ceremonies with a welcome.

General Custer called the roll of veterans and each rose from his sear as his name was called  When the name of Frederick Boroff was called, who resided in Bedford, Monroe County, and his age announced, (101 years and 6 months) calls were made from all parts of the crowd that he should show himself; and as the old veteran, comparatively smart, climbed upon his seat, three hearty cheers were given him, and a shower of bouquets began to fall around and among the veterans, and on the speakers platform, from the ladies of the orchestra, until it seemed that the veteran soldiers were fairly covered in flowers.

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Survivors 1871 Reunion-- Part 4: Attendees

Louis Jacobs, 96
Henry Mason, 79
James B. Nadeau, 77

Peter Navarre, 82
Robert F. Navarre, 81
Joseph Poulke, 80

George Younglove, 77
David Van Pelt, 89
William Walters, 88

Thomas Whelpley,  73

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Survivors 1871 Reunion-- Part 3: In Attendance

These were those in attendance, followed by their age:

John Beseau, 80
Francis Lazarre, , 82
John Clapper, 76

Jean DeChovin, 77
Hall Deland, 75
Bronson French, 82

Joseph Guyor  The man who organized it and held it at his place.
Charles Hixon, 76
F. Boraff, age 100 yrs, 7 months

--Brock-Perry

The 1871 Gathering of War of 1812 Veterans in Monroe, Michigan-- Part 1

From Geneaology Trails, Monroe County, Michigan, Military.

*History of the War of 1812*  By Talcott E. Wing, Editor New York Munsell & Company, publishers. 1890.   Submitted by Veneta McKinney.

In early June 1871, a notice appeared in the Monroe City papers of an invitation for War of 1812 veterans from the Battle of the River Raisin to assemble at the residence of Joseph Guyor on what was known as Guyor's Island,

On June 15, nineteen survivors of the battle attended along with prominent citizens of Monroe.

A banquet was prepared for the old heroes and a cordial welcome was tendered by the Honorable Herman J. Redfield, mayor of Monroe.  This was followed by addresses by General George A. Custer, Col.  I.R. Grosven, Col. Lucas and others.

The afternoon was pleasantly passed recounting memories of the war as well as anecdotes of a local character.

A copy of the photograph taken of the gathering was also included.

--Brock-Perry

Custer and the War of 1812-- Part 2: Custer and River Raisin Massacres

George Armstrong Custer remembered the Raisin as well.  He spent much of his youth in Monroe, Michigan, the city that grew up along the River Raisin.

In 1871, he was photographed with War of 1812 veterans beside a monument to Americans slaughtered during and especially after the battle.

Five years later, George A, Custer also died fighting Indians, in one of the most lopsided defeats for U.S. forces since the River Raisin Battle 63 years before his massacre.

--Brock-Perry

Custer and the War of 1812-- Part 1: The River Raisin Massacre

From the Smithsonian Magazine  "The Ten Things You Didn't Know About the War of 1812" by Tony Horwitz and Brian Wolly.

Yesterday I wrote about a photograph of George Armstrong Custer and War of 1812 veterans taken in 1871.

7.  The Ill-fated  General Custer had his start in this war.

In 1813, by the River Raisin in Michigan, British and their Indian allies dealt the U.S. its most stinging defeat in the War of 1812, and the battle was followed by  an Indian attack on the wounded prisoners, often referred to as a massacre.  The incident sparked the American battle cry, "Remember the Raisin."

William Henry Harrison, who later led the U.S. to victory  against the British and Indians, is remembered on his tomb as the "Avenger of the Massacre of the River Raisin."

George Armstrong Custer grew up in Monroe, Michigan, located by the River Raisin.

Brock-Perry

Why One Michigan City Flies the Kentucky Flag-- Part 2: The Two Battles of the River Raisin

The hastily and poorly trained Kentucky  militia organized 2,000 for the relief of Detroit.  Then the winter months battered them.

On January 18, 1813, they fought the First Battle of the River Raisin which ended in an American victory.  The Kentuckians occupied Frenchtown.

Then, on January 22, the British returned with their Indian allies and ambushed the Americans who surrendered in what is called the Second Battle of the River Raisin/Battle of Frenchtown..

The next morning the Indians began their massacre of the Americans.  This horrified the whole United States.

Brock-Perry