The Miami Confederacy ambushed Gen. Arthur St. Clair’s force in the worst defeat of an army by indigenous forces in American history.
Art by Peter Dennis from Osprey’s “Wabash 1791: St Clair’s Defeat.”“Was November 4 in the year of ’91
We had a sore engagement near to Fort Jefferson
St. Clair was our commander, which may remembered be
But we left 900 soldiers in that Western Territory “— “St. Clair’s Defeat” — American folk ballad
“Beware of surprise.”
That was President George Washington’s warning to General Arthur St. Clair as he authorized a punitive strike against a native confederacy that was threatening settlement of the Old Northwest and disrupting traffic on the Ohio River — with a gruesome death toll among the flatboats descending the river for trade and settlement.
Pushed out of their Kentucky hunting lands and away from the Ohio River line, the Shawnees led by Blue Jacket formed a coalition with the Miami chief Little Turtle to resist further incursions into the Northwest Territories. In 1791, President Washington entrusted St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, with essentially the entire U.S. Army to break the coalition.
Big mistake. The result was one of the epic failures of arms in the history of frontier warfare.
It wasn’t all St. Clair’s fault.
“The American frontier of this period proved as difficult for military operations as any foreign operation today. Support troops did not exist, therefore civilian contractors ran the Army’s transportation and supply systems. Many of these contractors proved incapable of their responsibilities, incompetent and several proved corrupt. …
“The small arms used by the troops arrived with most of them needing immediate repair. Cartridge boxes and other individual equipment arrived from storage at West Point with visible mold. Tools needed for building roads and a line of forts proved entirely too few for the needs of this expedition. Nevertheless, Congress pressured St. Clair into launching his expedition without the necessary supplies and improper training of his force.”
St. Clair set off into western Ohio with a small core of reasonably competent Regulars, a bunch of half-trained (at best) militia, and a long logistical tail of camp followers composed of sutlers, laundresses, soldiers’ families and whores, all of whom moved slowly and consumed already scarce supplies.
Unsurprisingly, a bunch of ill-disciplined militiamen deserted, and St. Clair sent out some of his Regulars to track them down to prevent their plundering his supply line. Sending off some of his few competent troops was not the smartest move…
The commander also mishandled his Chickasaw scouts, whom he didn’t trust, so he lacked good intelligence of the enemy’s movements and dispositions.
On November 3, St. Clair’s army went into camp along the Wabash River, on low, wooded ground under a light snowfall.
“Camped in the heart of Indian territory, St. Clair did not take all the proper precautions for guarding against attack. The nervous sentries fired throughout the night at supposed Indians, preventing any rest for the troops.”
The next morning, Blue Jacket’s Shawnees and warriors of the Miami, Ottawa, Delaware, Potawatomi and other nations attacked the camp at breakfast. For the confederated tribes, the battle was a tactical masterpiece. Native marksmen targeted officers and artillerymen, disrupting command structure and disabling a potentially potent weapon.
When the Regulars formed up for a bayonet charge, the warriors faded back, then coalesced around the exposed unit and destroyed it.
The Regulars tried to rally, but to no avail.
Art by Peter Dennis from “Wabash 1791: St Clair’s Defeat.”
The “battle” was a slaughter. With tactical surprise and leadership disruption taking their toll, St. Clair’s force of 2,000 broke and ran. The Indians got amongst the camp followers, killing more than 600 soldiers and non-combatants and wounding some 300 more. It was the worst defeat suffered by an American force up to the Civil War.
In terms of loss-to-strength proportions, it probably ranks as the worst defeat in U.S. history.
Unlike Varus, whose legions were destroyed in the Teutoburg Forest, St. Clair did not fall on his sword. In fact, he defended his reputation in the first Congressional investigation of the fledgling U.S. Government. Congress exonerated him — sort of — laying blame for the disaster at the feet of the War Department and the quartermaster service.
George Washington may well have felt like Caesar Augustus banging his head against a marble pillar and crying “Give me back my legions!” but the first president was too reserved and dignified for such displays. And American generals don’t commit suicide when they fail.
St. Clair resigned his commission and returned to his post as territorial governor.
Blue Jacket and Little Turtle had a mighty victory to celebrate. It would, however, prove illusory. Less than three years later, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne would defeat the tribes of the Northwest at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, crushing the native resistance. It would flare again, briefly, in the War of 1812, but for all intents and purposes, the battle for America’s heartland was over.
(For a detailed depiction of the Northwest campaigns, read the full Frontier Battles essay quoted and linked above. It’s excellent.)
The Indians got into the American camp and a defeat turned into a rout and a rout into a slaughter. Art by Peter Dennis from “Wabash 1791: St Clair’s Defeat.”
Lane Batot says
WHAT an epic, period film this battle would make! So many done with Little Bighorn as the subject–this battle made Little Bighorn look like a little league game!
Jace Gabbard says
Excellent piece on a lmost entirely neglected episode in our history. Only, it was worse in one respect: St.Clair’s Army had started out with roughly 2,000 men when he first mustered them at Fort Washington, but supply problems had caused repeated delays, and in the interim, desertion and illness had reduced his strength to just 1,486 officers and men. Moving slowly up the Miami Valley, stopping to build and garrison two forts that were 23 miles (Ft.Hamilton) and 67 miles (Ft.Jefferson) north of their base on the Ohio, St. Clair’s Army numbered no more than 920 men and a little more than 200 camp followers by 03 NOV 1791. And of course, we all know what happened at dawn on 04 NOV. No more than six officers and 18 enlisted men came out of that slaughter unscathed. Horrific in the extreme.
JimC says
Welcome Jace!
allen heller says
Only horrific if your a newly minted ‘american” citizen, and your generals, and soldiers are not “worth a continental”, and your a president who sees a disaster looking as the “generals’ cannot obey his orders, or put together, the arms, supplies, and trained troops, but worry about their political futures!
The indian tribes, unite, and provide a force of WARRORS!!!!!, with the Western Confederacy quickly adding numbers to the warriors of Blue jacket, and Little Turtle. Chief Buckongahelas led his 480 men to join the 700 warriors of Little Turtle and Blue Jacket, true warriors, and chiefs of experience, and intelligence, not just cunning. They bringing the war party to more than one thousand warriors, including a large number of Potawatomis from eastern Michigan and the Saint Joseph. True warriors, and real soldiers with discipline, and fighting spirit, not just bloody savages who wanted victory, and knew how to fight!
After three hours of fighting, St. Clair called together the remaining officers and, faced with total annihilation, decided to attempt one last bayonet charge to get through the Indian line and escape. What a fool, as Little Turtle, and his warriors, expected this,and smiled at the white fools.
Supplies and wounded were left in camp. As before, Little Turtle’s Army allowed the bayonets to pass through, but this time the men ran for Fort Jefferson.[15]
They were pursued by Indians for about three miles before the latter broke off pursuit and returned to loot the camp, and collect the scalps of these fools, and their officers.
Exact numbers of wounded are not known, but it has been reported that execution fires burned for several days afterward. Yes the victors were savage, and bloody in their habits, of looting , scalping, torturing, and mutilating, but they earned the victory, and honored their tribal cultures. I am proud that my grandfather traced my families roots back to the the Miami-Illinois tribe, and can only hope that i carry some of the dna/”blood” of these proud victorious warriors, and yes i’d join in the fighting, and the savage celebrations of victory that were their habits, and culture after such a hard fought victory! Would these “americans” have been less bloody and savage if they had been victors? i doubt it.
[see the ‘https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Clair%27s_Defeat’ for details.
JimC says
Enjoyed reading that, Allen. Thanks for stopping by the campfire.
Thomas B Elliott says
Looking for descendants of Lt. Col. William Oldham. My great great great grandfather, William Ellit, was one of the three hundred men that made up the 1791 Kentucky corn stock militia. The Kentucky militia was commanded by Lt. Col. William Oldham. On November 3rd, 1791 the Kentucky militia met up with General Arthur St. Claire and the US Army along the Wabash River in Ohio. The next morning Chief Little Turtle and his army of Miami braves, and many other tribes, crossed the Wabash and started the battle of Wabash. First battling the Kentucky militia and then the rest of the Army. Lt. Col. William Oldham lost his life in this battle.
From my family oral communications that has been past down thru the generations, my ggg grandfather William Ellit and another Kentucky frontiersman left the battle scene to go get help. It was known that Major Hamtramck and his battalion was camped about 9 miles south of General St. Claire’s camp. On foot they both were able to sneak out from the battle and ran in the direction of the reinforcements. Contact was made and Major Hamtramck was advised that the Miami Indians had General Arthur St. Claire and the State Militia’s surrounded and was killing them off. Major Hamtramck sent a small group to the battle scene to get a better assessment of the battle and turned the rest of the battalion around and responded to Fort Jefferson, a small fort and not completed yet, and he perceived that Chief Little Turtle would make that the next target.
Why I am reaching out to any Oldham descendants. This family story is just a story without evidence. I have not been able to find a complete list of the men who marched out of Kentucky with Lt. Col. William Oldham, nor have I found a list of the survivors that returned to Kentucky with Captain John Thomas of the Kentucky militia. I have searched military files and have found partial list of names. I have contacted the State of Kentucky with no results. I have contacted the State of Kentucky military records with no results. Then I thought just maybe an Oldham family member might have the muster files and maybe the survival list of names that returned to Kentucky after the battle.
I have lots of circumstanial evidence of my William Ellit was with the Kentucky militia i.e.: family oral communications and old letters, William Ellit was neighbors to Captain John Thomas in Hardin County, Kentucky, etc.
If any family member has access or copies of these list I would be forever greatful. Would love a copy of both files to verify that my William was with your William during the battle of Wabash.
ps My William Ellit’s 10th son is related to Lt. Col.. William Oldham through marriage.
Contact me at furleyrene@hotmail.com
tim thomson says
My 4th Great Grandpa was Captain William Ellis who also came from Kentucky to fight the the Battle of the Wabash 1791, as well as the earlier 1790 Harmar expedition. He was one of the few officers who survived not only these famous battles but also the Battle of Blue Licks. thomsontm4@gmail.com
JimC says
That is some serious Frontier Partisan heritage.
Warren Page says
My 4th Great Grandfather was Jonathan Page. According to tax records and family letters he came from near Cynthiana Ky. He was, or had to be, in the Kentucky Militia though I do not know what company. He was in the Battle of the Wabash in Powers Co., 2nd Regiment, U.S. Levies under Lt Col. Gibson so his records say. He was also made Corporal early on after transferring from the militia and wounded during the battle. He was among about a thousand Kentucky Militia who requested to fight with the regular army and were “levied” into different companies. Through him I joined “The Order of Indian Wars of the United States” (OIWUS) a couple of years ago. we3p@aol.com
JimC says
That’s some serious family history there.
Bill Stokes says
My ggg-grandfather, Captain William Faulkner, commanded company of riflemen from Pennsylvania Militia. His unit anchored right flank during battle. Winthrop Sargent, who wrote of event, stated that unit performed well. Faulkner was commissioned captain in Wayne’s Legion in 1792.
Bil Stokes
JimC says
That’s some serious Frontier Partisan heritage there.
Valerie Howell says
Does anyone know where I can purchase the art from this book, I have two of them and need the third
Stephen Paper says
My historical fiction novels, An Army Lost and The Hostages, start with the Battle of the Wabash and continues with the ramifications. The third book (about 3/4 done) continues to The Fallen Timbers. I was invited to speak at the 225 Anniversary of the battle last November 2016 and met quite a few ancestors of those who fought.
JimC says
Outstanding! I will check these out. Thank you for stopping by the campfire.
Don Piatt Koch says
My ancestor, Abraham Piatt was killed in this battle. He was a Captain at the time and is said to have been wounded and told his men to continue to retreat while he provided covering fire. I do not know how accurate that story is. Does anyone out there have anything to corroborate that version?
JimC says
Thanks for stopping by the campfire Don. You have some significant Frontier Partisan heritage there…
Julia Robinson says
My 5th Great Grandfather Benjamin Price (Maryland) was in St. Clair’s Defeat, War of the Wabash. I think there may be some confusion about the Benjamin Price in the trees in Ancestry, which indicate he was killed in St. Clair’s Defeat. I’m trying to verify, my 5th Great Grandfather Benjamin Price (Maryland) if he was killed or wounded in St. Clair’s Defeat.
According to the U.S. Returns of Killed and Wounded in Battles, 1790-1844, listed was a Capt. William Price (Kentucky Militia) and a Lieut. Benjamin Price (Maryland Battalion). A Dictionary of all Officers who have been commissioned, in the Army of the United States*, has listed a Capt. Benjamin Price (Kentucky) and Lieut. Benjamin Price (Maryland). The above documents were accessed through Ancestry.com. Documented in the American State Papers – Indian Affairs, Vol. 1, Page 138, there is a list of killed and wounded, last names only (one Price Listed as killed and one Price listed as wounded) and does not state what militia or battalion they were with.
*Capt. William Price (Kentucky Militia) was killed 4 Nov. 1791 in the battle under Maj. Gen. St. Clair, with Indians on the Miami. He was in Maj. Henry Gaither’s Battalion, Lieut.-Colonel William Darke’s Reg. ‘levies of 1791’
*Lieut. Benjamin Price (Maryland Battalion) He was Lieut. of his company in Maj. Henry Gaither’s Battalion, ‘levies of 1791’; wounded in battle under Maj. Gen. St. Clair, with Miami Indians 4 Nov. 1791; Lieut. Infantry. 16 Mar. 1792; Capt. 4 sub-legion rank from June 1792; Paymaster Oct. 1792; ‘out’ in 1796.
If someone may know about a William or Benjamin Price in the Kentucky Militia at the time of St. Clair’s Defeat, I’m reaching out for some help. This will help me to verify my ancestor Benjamin Price of Maryland, if he was wounded or killed.
Steve Strickland says
Julia, Benjamin Price is also an ancestor of mine. I would be interested in what you found out about his involvement in St. Clair’s Defeat.
Gary Stedman says
I am trying to find out information on a William Stedman, killed at St. Clair’s Defeat. Any information would be helpful.
Tom Fusia says
My gr gr +++ grandfather, Robert Ross, served in the 5th Pennsylvania Regt in the Revolutionary War and later was part of the failed Crawford Expedition and was wounded. I know he was a captain of a Pennsylvania militia company but I don’t know if he took part in any other fighting like with Harmer, St Clair or under Wayne at Fallen Timbers. Is there information available on muster rolls for soldiers who took part in these actions?
Thanks in advance for any help.
JimC says
Welcome to the campfire Tom. You have serious frontier partisan heritage there. I haven’t actually looked at this book, but I stumbled across it just a couple of weeks ago and it looks like it may be what you’re after:
American Militia in the Frontier Wars, 1790-1796
https://www.amazon.com/American-Militia-Frontier-Wars-1790-1796/dp/0806312777/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=frontier+militia&qid=1603286944&sr=8-1
This book is a transcription of the muster rolls and pay rolls of the state militia troops who were paid to protect the frontier or who fought alongside federal troops in the various frontier campaigns. From the records of the Adjutant General’s Office located in the National Archives, Murtie June Clark compiled data from the surviving federal records of the militia organizations of the following states and territories: Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio Territory, Pennsylvania, Southwest Territory (modern Tennessee), and Virginia. Named in these records, with dates of enlistment, rank, and other items of information, are militia troops participating in St. Clair’s defeat in the Northwest Territory, Anthony Wayne’s expeditions, the Whiskey Rebellion, the Battle of Fallen Timbers, and a host of other campaigns in areas north of the Ohio River, in Tennessee, along the Oconee in Georgia, and elsewhere.
Joseph Whittle says
I am a member of the Delaware Nation Lenni Lenape, and Buckongehelas is my ancestor. I am the sixth great grandson of Chief White Eyes, who signed the Treaty of Fort Pitt 1778 and helped America come into existence and was a full colonel in the Continental Army. After the Americans got the safe passage through the Ohio River Valley they needed from him, they shot him in the back so they did not have to honor that treaty, which promised us the 14th state in the Union and representation in Congress. It was for this act, and the massacre of a hundred Moravian Christian convert Delaware Indians at Gnadenhutton, that we took revenge on the Americans in this battle and dealt them one of the worst defeats they’ve ever suffered to this day.
JimC says
Welcome to the campfire Joseph. Some significant heritage you have, a real connection to some dark and fraught history.
Kirby Whitacre says
There is no question that this battle deserves more historical attention and for that matter, some Hollywood attention– as in a movie. I get to the battle site about 2-3 times per year and find out something new every time.
The battle, along with the earlier, “Harmar’s Defeat” occupies a central place in my historical novel, The Spirit Traveler, The Northwest Indian War in the Ohio Country. Though a novel, the battles, weapons and historical figures are true to history and described accurately and in detail.