regulars) marched forward, and on the 17th of October
reached the Great Miami village.[12] It was found to be entirely
deserted and all the valuable buildings in flames--having been fired
by the Indians. As it was apparent that the savages had but recently
left there, Col. Hardin was detached with two hundred and ten men,
sixty of whom were regulars to overtake them. Having marched about six
miles, he was suddenly attacked by a body of Indians who were
concealed in thickets on every side of an open plain. On the first
onset, the militia made a most precipitate retreat, leaving the few,
but brave regulars to stand the charge. The conflict was short but
bloody. The regular troops, over powered by numbers, were literally
cut to pieces; and only seven of them made their escape and rejoined
the main army at the Great Miami town.[13]

[292] Among those who were so fortunate as to escape after the
shameful flight of the militia, was Capt. Armstrong of the regulars.
He reached a pond of water about two hundred yards from the field of
action; and plunging himself up to the neck in it, remained there all
night, a spectator of the horrid scene of a savage war dance,
performed over the dead and wounded bodies of his brave soldiers. The
escape of ensign Hartshorn was perhaps owing entirely to a lucky
accident. As he was flying at his best speed he faltered over a log,
which lay in his path, and by the side of which he concealed himself
from the view of the savages.

Notwithstanding the disastrous termination of this engagement, the
detachment succeeded in reducing the other towns to ashes, and in
destroying their crops of corn and other provisions; and rejoining the
main army under Gen. Harmar, commenced their return to Fort
Washington. Anxious to wipe off in another action, the disgrace which
he felt would attach to the defeat, when within eight miles of
Chilicothe, Gen. Harmar halted his men, and again detached Col. Hardin
and Major Wylleys, with five hundred militia and sixty regulars, to
find the enemy and bring them to an engagement.

Early next morning, a small body of the enemy was discovered, and
being attacked, fled in different directions.--The militia pursued
them as they ran in despite of orders; and when by this means the
regulars were left alone, they were attacked by the whole force of the
Indians, excepting the small parties whose flight had drawn off the
militia. A severe engagement ensued. The savages fought wit