bersed with rivers, marshes, and swamps, where few civilized men had ever passed, was, in itself, an enterprise of considerable magnitude.

The army went forward, till it arrived at Manary's block-house, then the outward settlement of Ohio. From this point north, a road was to be constructed. Colonel McArthur and his regiment went in advance, to make the road. The arms, and other accouterments, belonging to the regiment, were carried in wagons. The guides went forward, and with tomahawks marked the way. Mc Arthur divided his regiment by companies, and gave each company a distance of the road to make, in proportion to their numbers. Axes, grubbing-hoes, spades, and shovels, were provided; and the regiment went to work with spirit. McArthur, accustomed to hard labor and a life in the woods from his youth, was perfectly at home while constructing the road through the wilderness. He showed the men, by his own example, that he was determined to do as much labor as was required of any of them. No difficulties discouraged him. By his example and encouragement, he excited such enthusiasm in both officers and privates, that every man worked as though the completion of the road depended on his single arm. He excited emulation amongst the companies, each endeavoring to do more than the others. With his regiment he constructed a road from Manary's blockhouse to Fort McArthur, a point on the Scioto river, in two days; a distance of thirty miles. It is probable that more labor was performed in those two days, than ever was done in the same time by the same number of

men.

Colonel McArthur's regiment was relieved, and the other regiments now in turn went in advance, to construct the road. Notwithstanding there was rain almost every day, there was no skulking or dodging: every regiment used all the exertions that were in the power of man, to

forward the work. There was probably as much talent and ambition in this little army, as was ever collected in one mass of equal numbers. Animation, enterprise, ambition, and emulation, concurred to enhance the progress of this determined band. Here was Colonel James Miller, of the fourth regiment of United States infantry: a man of as cool, intrepid courage, as ever drew a blade to glitter in the sun. And Colonel Lewis Cass, who, though naturally of a good humored and indolent temper, would, when roused by emulation or danger, do all that man could be expected to do. There was Colonel James Findlay too, who, though usually dilatory, was now excited by patriotism and ambition, to use every effort to outstrip the subject of this narrative. He had no superior in his energy and decision, when stimulated, as he now was, by the call of his country, and competing with such men as Cass and McArthur in his country's service.

To show that it was not a mere flash of popularity, which placed these gentlemen in the command of regiments, it is only necessary to point to their services in their subsequent career. In the tremendous battle near the Falls of Niagara, it was Colonel Miller who commanded the successful assault, with the point of the bayonet, which took possession of the British artillery. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and as such, when the war closed, was retained in the establishment of the army; and subsequently appointed governor of Arkansas territory.

peace

Colonel Findlay was a citizen of Cincinnati, and had long possessed the confidence of the government, as well as of his fellow-citizens. When peace blessed our land with her smiling presence, he was elected a member of congress. He was an efficient member of that body, always acting independently, without permitting himself to be trammeled by the intrigues of party. A little more

than a year since, he was commanded by the Judge of the universe, to render an account of his stewardship. It is believed, by those who knew him well, that his vouchers will be found genuine, and that no defalcations will be found against him.

Colonel Cass was subsequently appointed a brigadiergeneral in the United States army; and when peace was made, he was appointed governor of Michigan territory. He recently filled the office of secretary of war, and now is our minister plenipotentiary at France.

The two majors of Colonel McArthur's regiment, were men who could be relied on in all situations. Major Denny, of the first battalion, was a gentleman of talents and unquestioned courage. He was frequently elected a member of the legislature, clerk of the county and supreme courts, and also a major-general of militia. He has long since passed" the bourn whence no traveler returns." He was buried in the city of Philadelphia.

Major Trimble, of the second battalion, was a young man of much promise. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in the United States army; and when the war ended, he was retained on the peace establishment of the army. He was subsequently elected a senator in the congress of the United States, by the general assembly of Ohio. His public career was of short duration. He had received a severe wound in the battle of Fort Erie; from the effects of which he never recovered, and which no doubt sent him prematurely to his grave.

Colonel McArthur appointed for the staff-officers of his regiment, the following persons, viz. William Henry Puthuff, Adjutant; Richard Douglas, Quarter Master.

Adjutant Puthuff was a man of talents and education, and unquestioned bravery; very energetic and punctilious in the performance of his duty; and in exacting the subordination of others. He has long since paid the debt

of nature; and now lies buried on the banks of Lake Michigan.

The quarter-master was a man of eccentric genius and of singular humor. He has been a member of the Ohio legislature, and is now a practising lawyer of distinguished eminence.

The humble author of this narrative received the appointment of paymaster to the regiment. Of his character and actions it would be improper for him to speak. Suffice it to say, that he served in the army, in various situations, to the close of the war, free from censure. This circumstance is only referred to, to show how he came by a knowledge of the men and things of which he writes. Having endeavored to do his duty in the army, he is now attempting to record, for the gratification of posterity, the characters and actions of men, who risked their lives in defence of their country.

I will now return from this digression to the army. The army went forward without making a halt, till they arrived at the foot of the rapids of the Maumee. Here one day of repose was allowed the soldiers, to rest their weary limbs. The march was again resumed, with renewed vigor. On their march, between the Maumee and the river Raisin, an express rider from the secretary of war, came up with the army, with official intelligence, that congress had declared war. This official news put the army out of suspense. They now knew that they would soon be engaged in very different labor than in constructing roads. The army went on at a rapid pace, passed the river Raisin, and went on till they came to the river Huron. This river was so deep, that it could not be forded with the numerous train of wagons. It is nearly three hundred feet over, and it was necessary to construct a bridge. The bridge was erected in one day, and by night the army and baggage were safely across the river, and camped for the night on the north bank

of the river Huron. The bridge was nearly a mile from lake Erie. Late in the evening of this day, the enemy's brig, Queen Charlotte, came sweeping up the lake, and hovered about the mouth of the river Huron, to make observations on the movements of our army. When daylight returned, the Queen Charlotte was not to be seen. The army resumed its march, and that evening, the fifth of July, arrived at Detroit, the place of their destination. Here a few days of repose was allowed the weary soldiers.

CHAPTER VI.

THE artillery, which lay in the fort and batteries in and around Detroit, were in the worst possible condition. The gun carriages were old and decayed, and in every respect unfit for immediate use. The artificers were set to work to repair the artillery carriages; every means in the power of man was exerted, to place the army in a situation to march upon Fort Malden, only eighteen miles distant. Repose and inaction did not suit the enterprising character of General Hull's field officers. The unavoidable delay in preparing the artillery for effective service, appeared like eternity to the fiery spirits under the command of General Hull. Among the most impatient and restless at this delay, was McArthur. He urged General Hull to cross the river Detroit with the army, and attack Fort Malden without delay; insisting that the present was the auspicious moment to carry the fort; that the garrison consisted only of a few regular troops and some Canadian militia; that, from unquestioned information, the walls of the fort were in a state of dilapidation, the pickets rotten, and that the Canadian militia were not disposed to risk much in its defence. General Hull