1813-2013
The 200th Anniversary of Fort Meigs quickly approaches!
Sites and communities across Canada and the United States are planning to observe the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and to honor the 200 years of peace between Canada, Great Britain, and the U.S. Fort Meigs is planning several programs to mark this grand occasion, from lectures and conferences to re-enactments and musical events. Keep checking for updates and more information. View a brochure of Fort Meigs' Bicentennial Activities! (6.8 Mb - may take some time to load)
First Siege 1813-2013
May 4 - 5, 2013
May 5, 1813 marked the bloodiest day of fighting during the First Siege of Fort Meigs. Plan now to attend our special bicentennial commemoration of this crucial event. The actions at Fort Meigs on May 5, 1813 reverberated throughout Ohio and indeed, throughout the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, and the echos of that conflict can still be heard today. Join us as we host re-enactors from across North America who will recreate life at Fort Meigs in the Spring of 1813. See camp life activities, weapon demonstrations, battle recreations, and more! While the event details are still being planned, you can be sure to expect a lot at this once-in-a-lifetime event!
Head Quarters
Camp Meigs
May 6, 1813
Gen'l Orders
The General cannot pass by the opportunity which the events of Yeasterday afforded of expressing to the Troops his high sense of the disnguished valor which they manifested in each of the three severe conflicts in which tehy were engaged- The attack made by the Indians on the left flank was repelled by Capt Neering's Company- Major Alexander's Volunteers & the Kentucky Militia in the most Gallant manner Col. Miller & Major Tod with the detachment of the 19th Regt & Croghan's & Bradford's Company of the 17th and Major Alexander with the Volunteers attacked the enemies Batteries on the right Flank, carried them drove off a superior force of the enemy & killed or took prisoners the greater part of the two best Companies in the Brittish service- Before the attack was made on this side the General had ordered one on the enemies Batteries on the opposite shore by the Kentucky Militia this was executed under the Orders of Col. Dudley at the head of about 800 Men with great Gallantry- The four Batteries were stormed all the Guns but One Spiked & every object that the General had intended effected-
It is truly painful to reflect that this opperation so eminently successful in the commencement should have been brought to an unfortunate Issue- by the temerity & disobedience of our Troops- The possessing the Batteries & destroying the Cannon was the sole object of this enterprize and having done so the troops should have returned to their boats which they could all have reached in safety- This however was not done- They remained upon the ground scattered and disordered, suffered a feint Skirmishing to draw them into the Woods beyond the cover of Our Batteries where they were surrounded by the enemy & the greater part made prisoners- Such are the terrible effects of disobedience and inattention and that fatal confidence which is so apt to prevail with Militia upon Success- upon the whole however the events of yeasterday were highly honorable to the American Arms & promises a most successful termination to the siege- We have within the lines more Troops than are sufficient to man them- A larger number would be in the way- We are provided with every necessary- The Genl has ascertained that the number of Regular Troops with the enemy are really contemptible Nine tenths of his force are Indian & Candian Militia who are the Worst in the World- From an almost unparalleled fire from the enemies Batteries of five days Continuance it is ascertained that he can do us little injury, his supplies of provisions must be soon exhausted nothing is necessary then but a little patience and fortitude on our part, untill the arrival of those large reinforcements which are coming on- The 24th U,S, Regt highly diciplined & One thousand strong from Fort Massac has been long on its march and must by this time be on this side of Cincinnati where it will be Joined by the remaining Moiety of the Kentucky Drafts Colo Johnsons Regt of mounted volunteers (one thousand strong have been recruited within the 8th Military District- Upon the whole the Troops may expect to see in a short time an Army of their friends to the amount of at least 5000 men
The Genl will take another opportunity of expressing his sense of Conduct of those Individuals who distinguished themselves in the late actions as soon as he is better informed of their respective merits.
John O'Fallon
Actg Assistant Adjt Genl
The above transcription appears as written. All spelling and punctuation errors, etc. are intentional and were maintained for accuracy of the account.
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