[CRUIKSHANK] HARRISON AND PROCTER 139 
from a field-gun. The boats got under way down stream. Observing 
a body of horsemen riding in the direction of the ford with the apparent 
intention of threatening his line of retreat, Tupper lost no time in moving 
off. Some mounted Indians under the personal direction of Colonel 
Elliott, who was recognized by several Americans, and Split Log, the 
Wyandot chief, conspicuous ona white horse, crossed the river and 
harassed his rear guard for several miles. Four stragglers were killed and 
a number wounded. Hearing nothing from Winchester and finding 
that his provisions were nearly exhausted, Tupper was compelled to 
retire at full speed to Fort McArthur where his troops arrived on Novem- 
ber 20th, half starved and completely exhausted and disheartened. 
During the entire month of October, Winchester had remained 
quietly in his camp on the Au Glaize, drilling his men and waiting for 
the arrival of a sufficient quantity of supplies to enable him to advance. 
From time to time his scouts went out but returned with little informa- 
tion. On October 29th, however, they brought in a prisoner, one 
William Walker, who had lived among the Indians for thirty years 
and was married to a Wyandot woman. He represented himself as 
a deserter from the British service but was suspected of being a spy 
and little confidence was placed in his statements.” The lack of proper 
food and clothing had caused much suffering and’ discontent. The 
number of sick had greatly increased and there were several deaths 
daily. | 
On November 2nd, Winchester crossed the Miami and advanced 
a few miles. He fortified his camp in the usual manner and remained 
stationary for a week. His scouts then reported the presence of a 
considerable body of Indians at the rapids. Scarcity of provisions still 
prevented him from bringing forward the regiments in rear which 
would have doubled his force, but could be more readily supplied on 
the line of communication.? On November 10th he advanced six miles 
to a position where there was plenty of timber at hand suitable for the 
construction of boats or sleds and again entrenched. Next day this 
movement was reported to Elliott, who became decidedly uneasy as the 
Wyandots had not yet joined him, and he urged Procter to support 
him with all the regular troops he could spare and some pieces of artillery. 
Tupper’s message stating his intention of advancing upon the rapids 
was not received by Winchester until the 15th, when he at once directed 
Colonel Lewis to march to his support with 410 picked men. Lewis 
had advanced eighteen miles when he was overtaken by an express 

1 Tupper to Meigs, Nov. 9th, 1812. 
? Tupper to Harrison, Nov. 19, 1812; McAfee, p. 171; Armstrong, I, 63-5. 
# Atherton, p. 98; Darnell, Journal. 
4 Atherton, 18; Darnell. 
