Alan’s TTIM Stories #41
Historic fiction based on real events

A disputed territory lay 150 miles north of the state capital. Governor Lucas did not suffer fools or back down from a fight.  This injustice must be corrected – with force if necessary. The region had not experienced battles since the War of 1812. The Governor called on the state militia. Six hundred volunteers gathered under the command of General John Bell. I joined the adventure.

Thought how best to prepare for the march. Decided against purchasing a horse, instead bought a new Kentucky Long Rifle from a dealer in the old capital of Chillicothe. The old musket protected the livestock from predators and put meat on the table. For military action, I wanted increased accuracy.  Left the plow horse behind for the boys to start the spring planting. Had enough money left for a new pair of fine leather boots for the march.

The gathered men and boys were eager for what ever glory achieved through combat. Each volunteer provided his own firearm, powder and ball, axe, and hunting knife. Mules hitched to the supply wagons knowing their speed was better than oxen. Leaders estimated the amount of food for the trek and return home.

Morale of the troops diminished with every day. We encountered hard rains and cold nights of early spring. Sargent Anglesey did his best to inspire and stop the constant grumbling. Troops found easy going through the old forest with giant trees shading low undergrowth. A few river crossings slowed the march. Lead troops hacked through random thickets. 

Near our destination we faced the Great Black Swamp – miles of wetlands, infested by insects like swarms of mosquitoes, dragonflies the size of birds. Mud so deep it could swallow a horse and wagon. Axes fell young trees created a corduroy-type road above the mud.

Arrived at the village of Perrysburg on March 31^st.  The enemy was spotted on the north bank of the Maumee River. A surveying group was accosted at the Battle of Phillip’s Corner with warning shots fired into the air. A chill ran through my entire body as our leaders made preparations for an assault.

A dispatch rider reached our position before bloodshed. We were elated by the news. Victory was ours! Toledo officially belonged to Ohio. 

Note: The Toledo War pitted Ohio against Michigan long before the football rivalry. The compromise in 1836 gave Ohio an eight-mile strip of land, 468 square miles, at the northern border and gave Michigan the Upper Peninsula – 16,452 square miles, a perceived worthless wilderness. Not until 1915 did surveyors make a final determination of the border. President Andrew Jackson sided with Ohio’s claim understanding the political reality of more voters in Ohio.

Sources:
The American Surveyor
Wikipedia
Revolutionary War Journal.com
Michigan.gov
Military and Veterans Affairs

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Follow announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories at Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Instagram & Treads vandervoort_author, with all available posts at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer, found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.