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

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

The Battle of the River Raisin

From the Jan. 23, 2013, WKAR "The War of 1812: Battle of the River Raisin" by Scott Pohl.

American commander James Winchester was a 61-year-old veteran of the American Revolution and acted against the orders have General W.H. Harrison and took 1500 men to today's Monroe, Michigan because he had heard the British had supplies there.

He won a victory in the first battle, January 17, 1813, but the British returned in force on the 22nd and with Indian allies and this time soundly defeated the Americans, capturing Winchester in the process.  Winchester surrendered his force after British General Proctor convinced him that he had 800 Indians with him and he feared they would get out of his control if the battle continued any longer.

Proctor then returned to Fort Malden, across the river from Detroit, taking those prisoners who were able to walk.  This left about 80 U.S. troops behind and several dozen were murdered by the Indians on the 23rd.

This became known as the River Raisin Massacre and became a major American battle cry, "Remember the River Raisin!"  This was heard at the Battle of the Thames near present-day Chatham in late 1813.

Before This Blog, I Had Never heard of the River Raisin.  --Brock-Perry

The River Raisin's Impact on Kentucky

As I've said before, many of the soldiers at the Battles of the River raisin were from Kentucky.

As a result of the battle, nine counties in the state were named for officers, eight of whom died.

County--  Officer named For

Allen--  Lt. Col. John Allen
Ballard--  Major Bland Ballard
Edmondson--  Capt. John Edmondson
Graves--  Major Benjamin Franklin Graves
Hart--  Capt. Nathaniel S. Hart

Hickman--  Capt. Paschal Hickman
McCracken-- Capt. Virgil McCracken
Meade--  Capt. James Meade
Simpson--  Capt. John Simpson

Only Capt. Ballard survived the battles. 

Impact Battle.  --Brock-Perry

Second Battle of the River Raisin-- Part 2

The British and Indian force surprised the Americans before daybreak on January 22, 1813.  Winchester had quartered himself in a house south of Frenchtown and when he heard the sounds of battle, he hurried to the scene, only to be captured by Indians on the way.  They took his clothes, giving rise to the legend that he was captured in his bedclothes.

The 17th US Infantry consisted of mostly green troops and were caught out in the open by the onslaught.  They broke and fled with their Col. William Allen being shot dead and then scalped.  Dozens tried to surrender but were shot and tomahawked by the Indians.

The Kentucky Rifle Regiment continued to occupy the town despite being under heavy fire.  They killed many attackers but were running low on ammunition. 

The captured General Winchester was convinced to surrender his troops under the condition they be treated as prisoners of war.

The Kentucky troops continued to fight for another three hours before surrendering.

The British Take Back What They Lost.  --Brock-Perry

Second Battle of the River Raisin-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

The American force under General James Winchester had won a big victory on January 18th and the British had been forced out of Frenchtown in Michigan Territory.  However, he had acted without orders in the attack, but General Harrison was willing to forgive him due Io the success, but was greatly concerned of a British counter-attack.  He sent orders for Winchester to hold his ground and prepare for attack.  In addition, reinforcements of the 17th United States Infantry arrived.

The First battle of the River Raisin was the first combat most of Winchester's men had seen.  Locals warned Winchester of approaching British, but the general paid no heed.  there were no sentries or pickets on watch. 

British General proctor from Detroit had marched his troops southward to Frenchtown from Fort Malden.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry