ALS signed “W. H. Harrison,” one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, February 1, 1820. Handwritten letter to Congressman William Woodbridge, recalling the battle for Detroit during the War of 1812. In part: "I am really much astonished that the Judge should have referred me for evidence of the loss he sustained in his forces…he ought to have had recourse to someone else. Upon my passing Detroit in pursuit of the enemy I was there about half an hour. Genl. MacArthur was left there in command with his Brigade & upon my return he continued in command (in immediate command I mean) during the few days I remained there, at the end of which Genl. Cass with his Brigade succeeded him—where he remained during the winter. Now it is very extraordinary that the depredations complained of took place the few days that I was there. I certainly recollect nothing of it, but if it had been mentioned to me I should have immediately referred it to the Commanding officer of the Post…Why did not Mr. May apply one of the Brigadiers who commanded alternately & who ought to be supposed to know what happened within the immediate sphere of their command much better than the commanding general could." Addressed on the integral leaf in Harrison's hand to "Hon'ble William Woodbridge Esqr., H. Representatives, U.S., Washington City," and endorsed below by Woodbridge. In fine condition, with a strip of wide reinforcement tape along the edge of the integral address leaf.
During the War of 1812, Harrison, who had been governor of Indiana since 1800, was commissioned as a major general and ordered to retake Detroit, which had been lost in an earlier siege by the allied British-Shawnee forces. He began the offensive after receiving reinforcements in 1813, leading his troops north to battle. He won victories in the Indiana Territory as well as Ohio and recaptured Detroit before invading Ontario. Harrison's army defeated the British, and Shawnee leader Tecumseh was killed, on October 5, 1813, at the Battle of the Thames. This was considered to be one of the great American victories in the war and cemented Harrison's reputation as a national hero.
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