The Siege
Why Fort Wayne MattersFort Wayne was in a precarious situation during the first couple months of the War of 1812. The losses of Fort Detroit and subsequently Fort Dearborn (modern day Chicago) in August of 1812 left Fort Wayne as one of the last remaining outposts on the northwestern frontier. It was clear the garrison needed whipped into shape and fast, but Captain Rhea was not up to the task.Garrison Orders, Fort Wayne: July 15th, 1812
In future, as soon as a dancing party of Indians comes within fifty yards of the Garrison, the Guard will parade and Stand by their Arms until the party leaves it the same distance; - And every Soldier will immediately repair to the inside of the Garrison and will be in readiness to take hold of his arms in case any thing Should happen, instantly; it is time for all soldiers to be on the lookout, - this day the dancing party of Indians could have taken the Garrison.
J Rhea Capt. Commanding[1]
The threat was clear. Wells had been killed and former Fort Wayne commandant Captain Heald captured evacuating Fort Dearborn, along with the loss of many of the soldiers and their families that had been at that post. Johnston was killed as well, less than half a mile from the Fort as he tried to get messages through to Picqua, Ohio.[2]
On August 29th, the Fort was approached by a Native American warrior who requested a white flag for the chiefs to meet with Captain Rhea and Major Stickney. This was unusual for the post, as normal business was rarely handled in such a formal manner. The Fort was surrounded and the Native American warriors began to loot the garrison garden. Due to the flag of truce, Rhea refused to let the soldiers fire upon any warriors.[3] Desperate to hold out, Rhea issued stark orders on September 3rd:
It is earnestly hoped by the Commanding Officer that for this night every man will be at his post, - relief is at hand but means may be taken to cut us off from that relief; Should any man be found inattentive to his duty, punishment ensues; For on this night, our fame, our honor and every thing that is near & dear depends. - be therefore Cautious and brave -
J Rhea Capt Commanding[4]
After nearly a week, the flag was returned on the evening of September 4th. A few chiefs, including Winamac and Anousa (identified by Stickney), came into the Fort and met with both Rhea and Stickney.[5] Rhea was eager to host. Similar to General William Hull in Detroit, Rhea seems to have been terrified at the prospect of a potential massacre. Extreme violence was common on both sides during the war, but racialized fears held by many Americans against Native American warriors exasperated these thoughts to a point of hysteria. Rhea welcomed the chiefs with an open bottle of wine. After three glasses shared with them, Rhea proclaimed that the chiefs were his friends and begged them for protection.[6]
The chiefs met with Stickney after wine with Rhea was finished. Here, Stickney claims there was an intricate plot to take the Fort. Winamac delivered a lengthy speech on how the young warriors were disobeying their chiefs by stealing crops while under a flag of truce. At the conclusion of his speech, Winamac proclaimed “If my father wishes for war, I am a man!”[7] Drawing a knife, Winamac lunged toward Stickney. Bondie intercepted the attack, and soldiers quickly swarmed the room. The chiefs were quickly escorted from the Fort and active fighting ensued.[8]
Our captain had not drawn a sober breath since the chief had left the garrison the night before.[9]
With Rhea incapticipated, command seems to have fallen to Lieutenants Ostrander and Curtis. Stickney claims credit as well, but his position as Indian Agent did not give him military authority and he was sick throughout the siege. The garrison kept the rooves and palisades watered so the besieging warriors could not set fire to the Fort. U.S. sources indicate there were at least five hundred warriors besieging the post, but there is no way to verify this with surviving Native American sources. Fighting continued until September 12th. A relief force of nearly five thousand men arrived under the command of Harrison and dispersed the besieging warriors. Rhea had remained drunk the entire time but opted to resign his commission rather than face court martial due to his long term of service and his young family. Only two soldiers were killed throughout the length of the siege.[10]
These couple weeks proved to be the only time Fort Wayne would truly be threatened by a hostile force. After the siege, the Fort continued to serve as a supply post for Harrison’s activity in the northwest.
This page has paths:
- A New Century and a New Fort Cory Balkenbusch