Page:The Presidents of the United States, 1789-1914, v. II.djvu/61

 WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON 31) by Harrison to advance to the rapids, but the order was countermanded on receipt of information that Tecumseh, with a large force, was at the head waters of the Wabash. Through a misunderstand ing, however, Winchester continued, and on Janu ary 18 captured Frenchtown (now Monroe, Mich.), but three days later met with a bloody repulse on the river Raisin from Col. Henry Proctor. Har rison hastened to his aid, but was too late. After establishing a fortified camp, which he named Fort Meigs, after the governor of Ohio, the commander visited Cincinnati to obtain supplies, and while there urged the construction of a fleet on Lake Erie. On March 2, 1813, he was given a major- general s commission. Shortly afterward, having heard that the British were preparing to attack Fort Meigs, he hastened thither, arriving on April 12. On April 28 it was ascertained that the enemy under Proctor was advancing in force, and on May 1 siege was laid to the fort. While a heavy fire was kept up on both sides for five days, re-enforce ments under Gen. Green Clay were hurried for ward and came to the relief of the Americans in two bodies, one on each side of Maumee river. Those on the opposite side from the fort put the enemy to flight, but, disregarding Harrison s sig nals, allowed themselves to be drawn into the woods, and were finally dispersed or captured. The other detachment fought their way to the fort,