History of Captain Hickman's Company, First Kentucky Rifle Regiment
Subheadings: State militias, Kentucky militia, Captain Hickman, Captain HIckman's Company
State Militias
Often the militia system in the United States was ineffective militarily. The basis of this problem was the division of responsibility for the militia between the Federal and State governments. This split lead to much debate over who paid, equipped and organized the militia and where and how that militia should be used (Skeen, 2). Generally, all able-bodied men from 16 years of age to 60 were members of the militia and were to show up with their own muskets and for one or two annual musters. It is no wonder such a system lead to lax discipline, training, and uniforms (Katcher & Fosten, 35). It also lead to incidents such as refusal by militia troops to cross the Canadian border since their military duty consisted only of defense of the United States, not invasion elsewhere. Recognizing these problems, some militia groups took the extra steps of providing themselves with distinctive uniforms, better equipment, and much more intensive drill (Katcher & Fosten, 35). This local militia's role in pre-war days was local police force but it also supplied an unifying organization for the community and a basis for political organization (Laver, 4). The colorful uniforms, parades, and the boom of cannons and muskets would attract the crowds desired by any politician (Laver, 4). It is likely that Hickman's company was one of these more competent companies. Hickman was a popular politician and the contemporary accounts noted the men were well drilled shortly after being mustered. However, all in all, the overall militia was a very mixed bag in terms of competence and readiness when war came in 1812.
Kentucky Militia
Kentucky was the most enthusiastic supporter of the War. The War of 1812 claimed 1,876 American battle deaths (many more died of disease, etc than enemy action), 1,200 of them were Kentuckians (Chartrand, 60). Likewise, nearly 4,000 Kentuckians joined the regular army - the 7th, 17th, and 28th were all Kentuckian with the 19th being 1/2 Kentuckian and the 2nd Rifle Regiment 2/3rds Kentuckian (Hammack, 111)- while 22,000 Kentuckians served in the militia out of an eligible pool of 33,000 men (Chartrand, 60). This level of involvement gave Kentucky a presence on the battlefield way out of proportion to its population. Kentucky militia served at the battles of: Prophetstown, Frenchtown, Fort Meigs, Put-in-Bay, Moraviantown, Malcolm's Mills, and New Orlean's (Malcomson, 273). The fortunes of the Kentuckians were very mixed during the War. At Frenchtown, Kentuckians were either captured or slaughtered, few escaped leading to the battle cry, "Remember the Raisin". On the other hand, a force of largely Kentuckians broke the native confederacy at Moraviantown. Likewise, the force that set out to relieve General Hull at Detroit had some splendidly dressed companies while the Kentucky militia that arrived at New Orleans was starving, had to be dressed by the people of New Orleans and included some men only armed with farm implements (Gilbert, 52). However, they were feared opponents for both their long range accuracy (resulting in long rifles often being called Kentucky rifles no matter where they were made) and, as described by a British officer at Frenchtown, their "... air of wildness and savageness..." (Richardson in Chartrand, 62). All in all, Kentuckians were avid fighters during the War as while they provided 4.6% of the troops, 64% of American battle casualties were Kentuckians (Hammack, 112).
Captain Hickman
Paschal Hickman's family moved to Kentucky in 1784 and settled in Franklin County. His father was the prominent Reverend William Hickman. Paschal served in most of the Indian campaigns waged from Kentucky including as a scout under General Wayne in 1794. His home was near the railroad tunnel in Frankfort. He became a wealthy man with 5,984 acres of land and his property was valued in 1813 at $9,217.85. His military service in the 22nd Kentucky Regiment included a rise from ensign in 1802 through lieutenant. He was a prominent, public citizen described as a tall, popular and handsome man. On June 8th, 1812 he was commissioned captain in the First Kentucky Rifle Regiment and then proceeded to raise, arm, and drill his company from Franklin County men. By July 1st, 1812 the companies displayed their military skills with an especial concentration on maneuvers adapted to Indian warfare. Hickman was one of the wounded massacred at the River Raisin and is commemorated by having Hickman County, Kentucky named after him. (all material from Clift, 151-52).
Captain Hickman's Company - First Kentucky Rifle Regiment.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all the material in this section comes from Ralph Naveaux's excellent book Invaded From All Sides . The following is a brief summary - for a clear and much more readable account, see Naveaux's book.
All members of the Rifle Regiment were to supply their own weapons, uniform and equipment (Brown in Cleft, 19). They mustered with the 1st Kentucky Volunteer Regiment, the 5th Kentucky, and the 17th US at Georgetown in August 1812 in preparation to assist General Hull in his invasion of Upper Canada. However, after news of Hull's surrender their mission turned into one of asserting control of the Northwest territory and regaining lost territory (Benn, 36). Friction existed within the army as regular officers had their men encamp separately from the militia - to avoid their disruptive influence- and conflict existed between the commanders William Henry Harrison and Brigadier General James Winchester - further complicated by changes in who was actually in supreme authority.
The army marched through Dayton and then relieved the siege at Fort Wayne. The natives besieging the fort withdrew as the relief force approached. With Fort Wayne as a base, the army -now under the command of Winchester - advanced down the Maumee River. Scouting parties sent out encountered natives with 1 party wiped out. Hickman's scouting group circled around the mixed native and British party without encountering them. In early October, the army built a new fort, christened 'Fort Winchester' and Harrison assumed overall command.
Meanwhile, supplies were sporadic at best for the Kentuckians. Brigade Inspector James Garrard wrote,
"We have not drawn a full ration since the 8th of September. Sometimes without beef, at other times without flour, and the worst of all, entirely without salt, which has been much against the health of the men. They bear it with much patience ... You would be surprised to see the men appear on the brigade parade. Some without shoes, others without socks, blankets, etc. All the clothes they have are linen..." (Garrard in Naveaux, 58).
To compensate, many of the men wrote home for 'care' packages to be sent of food and clothing.
Despite lack of supplies, the troops drilled, using Smith's manual of instruction, to the point where Winchester wrote Harrison,
"The Kentucky Volunteers are now pretty well disciplined, and I am satisfied that I hazard nothing as an officer in saying there is not in the United States a more efficient Militia than the three Kentucky Regiments now at this place; and I feel reluctant in communicating to the ardent spirits which compose this army the idea of a moment's delay in the great work of retaliation." (Winchester in Naveaux, 62)
However, by November, the promised supplies had not arrived and discipline and morale were slipping. Foraging parties from the various American armies in the area skirmished with natives . On the 29th of December, Winchester's army started to advance towards the Maumee Rapids. The advance was through 2 feet of snow, extreme cold, and terrible traveling conditions. Hickman's company with the rest of the First Rifle Regiment were posted on the right flank with the regulars.
On January 13th, when news of Winchester's advance reached British Colonel Procter, Proctor decided to send a force to Frenchtown. Outnumbered, Proctor decided on a 'scorched earth' policy for Frenchtown - which was understandably vigorously opposed by the local French habitants. The villagers appealed to Winchester and, after an eloquent speech by Colonel John Allen of the Rifles Regiment, the army decided to attack Frenchtown. The first part of the force traveled to the village of Presqu'Ile where they were joined by Colonel Allen and his riflemen including men from Hickman's company. On January 18th they marched from Presqu'Ile to Frenchtown.
Hickman's, Glave's and James' companies made up an advance guard under the command of Captain (acting Major) Ballard. The advance guard crossed the frozen River Raisin under ineffective artillery fire, only delayed when helping Captain Hickman regain his horse after it fell through the ice. As the men advanced up the river bank they came under musket fire which broke Hickman's ankle. The Kentuckians lost 3 wounded versus 12 native warriors who were killed and scalped before they could reach the safety of the woods behind the settlement. The British and natives made a stand at the edge of the woods where they engaged Colonel Allen's men - which now included Hickman's company. Allen was ordered to withdraw 50 yards which turned it into a long range engagement which the Kentucky riflemen could dominate. The Americans flanked - especially from the right with Allen's troops - the natives and British who set up a stubborn fighting retreat through the woods. Over 3 hours, the Americans pushed the natives and British back a mile and a half; but, it cost them 12 killed and 55 wounded. Exhausted, both sides broke off fighting as the British, Canadians, and natives retreated towards Brownstown. Their dead were scalped and mutilated by the Kentuckians.
Unfortunately for the Kentuckians, Canadian, Native, and British reinforcements were far closer than any significant American help. General Winchester and his staff arrived on the 20th with a small number of reinforcements. However, the Americans did not fortify their positions and the regulars were left in a rather exposed position on the right flank - camped in the open - separated from the disruptive militia who were behind the fences of Frenchtown (fences 5 to 7 feet tall that would protect against small arms but not cannon fire). Thus the Americans were camped almost in battle order with the regulars on the far right (150-250 men of the 17th and 19th US) with an open field on their left. The center and left of the line was to the left of the open field and behind the fences of Frenchtown. This group consisted of 600-700 militia with the 1st Rifles on the right, the 1st Volunteers in the center and the 5th Kentucky on the left. In addition there were up to 100 men divided between Winchester's headquarters and various houses. There were no advanced pickets down the road to Detroit so the British force was able to close within a few hundred yards of the village without detection. It was only the rumble of the British cannons being drawn along that alerted a sentry who shot into the midst of the British column, killing a grenadier.
The British began their attack with an artillery barrage. The artillery was placed 30 paces to the front. British regulars made up the center of the line with Canadian militia and Natives on the flanks. This force quickly concentrated their efforts against the exposed American regulars who were attacked from 3 sides. After about 20 minutes, the regulars broke and retreated to the river bank where they rallied and returned fire.
In the center, the British regulars advanced against the fences held by the militia. While most of the firing was at the 150-200 yard range, the British regulars advanced 3 times during the morning to less than 80 yards. They endured murderous fire from the Kentuckians without being able to do much damage in return as the fences largely protected the Americans. Meanwhile, General Winchester attempted to reform his line. He sent Colonel Allen with elements of the First Rifle Regiment to cover the withdrawal of the regulars and to link up with them. However, the link up failed as first the regulars and then Allen's group panicked and fled across the frozen river. Attempts to rally on the south shore of the river failed and this group than started to retreat south along Hull's Road. Few of them successfully escaped and most were killed or captured as they broke into small groups and were surrounded by natives. Thus, 2 of the companies of the First Rifle Regiment were out of the battle.
Back in Frenchtown, the remainder of the militia were stubbornly holding onto their fence-defensive position - including Hickman's company. Besides decimating the British regulars, the Kentuckian riflemen killed or wounded all but 1 member of the guncrews manning the 3 cannon in the center of the British line. At the same time, brave American volunteers rushed out from the fences to burn down barns that could provide cover to flanking native and Canadian troops. Next, Kentucky riflemen sniped at ammunition resupply sleds (killing one man at 300-400 yards) and picking off 13 out of the 16 man howitzer crew (200 yard range). The British pulled the howitzers back out of rifle range. Native warriors began to infiltrate from the other side of Frenchtown having eliminated the retreating Americans. After about 4 hours of continuous action, both sides settled into taking just the odd pot shot at each other.
At this point, a truce party approached the American lines. They were met and it was discovered one of them was the captured Dr. James Overton who General Winchester's aide-de-camp. He relayed that the British threatened to burn the village and allow the natives to massacre everyone unless the Kentuckians surrendered. In addition, he relayed General Winchester's recommendation to surrender as he had negotiated the protection of prisoners from the natives, the retention of private property, and side arms being returned to the Kentuckians after surrender. At first the Kentuckians were reluctant - they had lost only 5 men killed and less than 40 wounded while inflicting heavy casualties on the British regulars. However, their defenses were becoming battered, they had no way to reply to long distance artillery fire, and many men were down to 2 or 3 cartridges. After 3 sets of negotiations, the terms were agreed to and the Kentuckians marched out to surrender. As they grounded arms, natives swarmed forward grabbing at their belongings and threatening them. Major Madison, in command of the surrendering Kentuckians, protested to Colonel Proctor who claimed the British could not control the natives; however, he got them to back off when the Kentuckians threatened to fight. The almost 400 prisoners were then marched off north towards Detroit. Hickman's and Hart's companies hailed their wounded officers as they were herded off to captivity (Clift, 75).The approximately 60 seriously wounded Americans in Frenchtown were left behind with vague promises of sleighs being sent soon to get them. However, once the British left, native warriors massacred most of the wounded and threatened to kill anyone who touched the bodies that were left to be eaten by scavengers and to rot. One of the victims was Captain Hickman who was pulled from his sickbed (part of 1 leg had been amputated), tomahawked in the head, and left to strangle in his own blood in the snow. Some Americans managed to escape death as they were ransomed by friendly whites or adopted by natives. The massacre of the wounded lead to the American battle cry of 'Remember the Raisin'.
As for the members of Hickman's company that were captured, they were marched to Detroit and held in poor conditions in Amherstburg for a few days. Then they were marched across southwestern Upper Canada (Ontario) to the Niagara region where they were paroled. On February 20th, 1813 they met at Erie, Pennsylvania where they condemned the British treatment of their captives. Their revenge came a year and a half later at Moraviantown (Battle of the Thames) when Tecumseh was killed, the Indian Confederacy was smashed, and Colonel Proctor escaped with only 50 men while losing 12 killed and over 600 as prisoners (Malcomson, 351). The prisoners were sent to Kentucky.....
As noted earlier, Kentuckians continued to fight fiercely after the Battle of the River Raisin - motivated by revenge. The same uniforms made their appearance in these later battles but how many men who survived the Raisin returned to the battlefield? No one knows. However, British treachery at the Raisin would have made honoring their parole a low priority.....
For sources, please see the Resources page.
Subheadings: State militias, Kentucky militia, Captain Hickman, Captain HIckman's Company
State Militias
Often the militia system in the United States was ineffective militarily. The basis of this problem was the division of responsibility for the militia between the Federal and State governments. This split lead to much debate over who paid, equipped and organized the militia and where and how that militia should be used (Skeen, 2). Generally, all able-bodied men from 16 years of age to 60 were members of the militia and were to show up with their own muskets and for one or two annual musters. It is no wonder such a system lead to lax discipline, training, and uniforms (Katcher & Fosten, 35). It also lead to incidents such as refusal by militia troops to cross the Canadian border since their military duty consisted only of defense of the United States, not invasion elsewhere. Recognizing these problems, some militia groups took the extra steps of providing themselves with distinctive uniforms, better equipment, and much more intensive drill (Katcher & Fosten, 35). This local militia's role in pre-war days was local police force but it also supplied an unifying organization for the community and a basis for political organization (Laver, 4). The colorful uniforms, parades, and the boom of cannons and muskets would attract the crowds desired by any politician (Laver, 4). It is likely that Hickman's company was one of these more competent companies. Hickman was a popular politician and the contemporary accounts noted the men were well drilled shortly after being mustered. However, all in all, the overall militia was a very mixed bag in terms of competence and readiness when war came in 1812.
Kentucky Militia
Kentucky was the most enthusiastic supporter of the War. The War of 1812 claimed 1,876 American battle deaths (many more died of disease, etc than enemy action), 1,200 of them were Kentuckians (Chartrand, 60). Likewise, nearly 4,000 Kentuckians joined the regular army - the 7th, 17th, and 28th were all Kentuckian with the 19th being 1/2 Kentuckian and the 2nd Rifle Regiment 2/3rds Kentuckian (Hammack, 111)- while 22,000 Kentuckians served in the militia out of an eligible pool of 33,000 men (Chartrand, 60). This level of involvement gave Kentucky a presence on the battlefield way out of proportion to its population. Kentucky militia served at the battles of: Prophetstown, Frenchtown, Fort Meigs, Put-in-Bay, Moraviantown, Malcolm's Mills, and New Orlean's (Malcomson, 273). The fortunes of the Kentuckians were very mixed during the War. At Frenchtown, Kentuckians were either captured or slaughtered, few escaped leading to the battle cry, "Remember the Raisin". On the other hand, a force of largely Kentuckians broke the native confederacy at Moraviantown. Likewise, the force that set out to relieve General Hull at Detroit had some splendidly dressed companies while the Kentucky militia that arrived at New Orleans was starving, had to be dressed by the people of New Orleans and included some men only armed with farm implements (Gilbert, 52). However, they were feared opponents for both their long range accuracy (resulting in long rifles often being called Kentucky rifles no matter where they were made) and, as described by a British officer at Frenchtown, their "... air of wildness and savageness..." (Richardson in Chartrand, 62). All in all, Kentuckians were avid fighters during the War as while they provided 4.6% of the troops, 64% of American battle casualties were Kentuckians (Hammack, 112).
Captain Hickman
Paschal Hickman's family moved to Kentucky in 1784 and settled in Franklin County. His father was the prominent Reverend William Hickman. Paschal served in most of the Indian campaigns waged from Kentucky including as a scout under General Wayne in 1794. His home was near the railroad tunnel in Frankfort. He became a wealthy man with 5,984 acres of land and his property was valued in 1813 at $9,217.85. His military service in the 22nd Kentucky Regiment included a rise from ensign in 1802 through lieutenant. He was a prominent, public citizen described as a tall, popular and handsome man. On June 8th, 1812 he was commissioned captain in the First Kentucky Rifle Regiment and then proceeded to raise, arm, and drill his company from Franklin County men. By July 1st, 1812 the companies displayed their military skills with an especial concentration on maneuvers adapted to Indian warfare. Hickman was one of the wounded massacred at the River Raisin and is commemorated by having Hickman County, Kentucky named after him. (all material from Clift, 151-52).
Captain Hickman's Company - First Kentucky Rifle Regiment.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all the material in this section comes from Ralph Naveaux's excellent book Invaded From All Sides . The following is a brief summary - for a clear and much more readable account, see Naveaux's book.
All members of the Rifle Regiment were to supply their own weapons, uniform and equipment (Brown in Cleft, 19). They mustered with the 1st Kentucky Volunteer Regiment, the 5th Kentucky, and the 17th US at Georgetown in August 1812 in preparation to assist General Hull in his invasion of Upper Canada. However, after news of Hull's surrender their mission turned into one of asserting control of the Northwest territory and regaining lost territory (Benn, 36). Friction existed within the army as regular officers had their men encamp separately from the militia - to avoid their disruptive influence- and conflict existed between the commanders William Henry Harrison and Brigadier General James Winchester - further complicated by changes in who was actually in supreme authority.
The army marched through Dayton and then relieved the siege at Fort Wayne. The natives besieging the fort withdrew as the relief force approached. With Fort Wayne as a base, the army -now under the command of Winchester - advanced down the Maumee River. Scouting parties sent out encountered natives with 1 party wiped out. Hickman's scouting group circled around the mixed native and British party without encountering them. In early October, the army built a new fort, christened 'Fort Winchester' and Harrison assumed overall command.
Meanwhile, supplies were sporadic at best for the Kentuckians. Brigade Inspector James Garrard wrote,
"We have not drawn a full ration since the 8th of September. Sometimes without beef, at other times without flour, and the worst of all, entirely without salt, which has been much against the health of the men. They bear it with much patience ... You would be surprised to see the men appear on the brigade parade. Some without shoes, others without socks, blankets, etc. All the clothes they have are linen..." (Garrard in Naveaux, 58).
To compensate, many of the men wrote home for 'care' packages to be sent of food and clothing.
Despite lack of supplies, the troops drilled, using Smith's manual of instruction, to the point where Winchester wrote Harrison,
"The Kentucky Volunteers are now pretty well disciplined, and I am satisfied that I hazard nothing as an officer in saying there is not in the United States a more efficient Militia than the three Kentucky Regiments now at this place; and I feel reluctant in communicating to the ardent spirits which compose this army the idea of a moment's delay in the great work of retaliation." (Winchester in Naveaux, 62)
However, by November, the promised supplies had not arrived and discipline and morale were slipping. Foraging parties from the various American armies in the area skirmished with natives . On the 29th of December, Winchester's army started to advance towards the Maumee Rapids. The advance was through 2 feet of snow, extreme cold, and terrible traveling conditions. Hickman's company with the rest of the First Rifle Regiment were posted on the right flank with the regulars.
On January 13th, when news of Winchester's advance reached British Colonel Procter, Proctor decided to send a force to Frenchtown. Outnumbered, Proctor decided on a 'scorched earth' policy for Frenchtown - which was understandably vigorously opposed by the local French habitants. The villagers appealed to Winchester and, after an eloquent speech by Colonel John Allen of the Rifles Regiment, the army decided to attack Frenchtown. The first part of the force traveled to the village of Presqu'Ile where they were joined by Colonel Allen and his riflemen including men from Hickman's company. On January 18th they marched from Presqu'Ile to Frenchtown.
Hickman's, Glave's and James' companies made up an advance guard under the command of Captain (acting Major) Ballard. The advance guard crossed the frozen River Raisin under ineffective artillery fire, only delayed when helping Captain Hickman regain his horse after it fell through the ice. As the men advanced up the river bank they came under musket fire which broke Hickman's ankle. The Kentuckians lost 3 wounded versus 12 native warriors who were killed and scalped before they could reach the safety of the woods behind the settlement. The British and natives made a stand at the edge of the woods where they engaged Colonel Allen's men - which now included Hickman's company. Allen was ordered to withdraw 50 yards which turned it into a long range engagement which the Kentucky riflemen could dominate. The Americans flanked - especially from the right with Allen's troops - the natives and British who set up a stubborn fighting retreat through the woods. Over 3 hours, the Americans pushed the natives and British back a mile and a half; but, it cost them 12 killed and 55 wounded. Exhausted, both sides broke off fighting as the British, Canadians, and natives retreated towards Brownstown. Their dead were scalped and mutilated by the Kentuckians.
Unfortunately for the Kentuckians, Canadian, Native, and British reinforcements were far closer than any significant American help. General Winchester and his staff arrived on the 20th with a small number of reinforcements. However, the Americans did not fortify their positions and the regulars were left in a rather exposed position on the right flank - camped in the open - separated from the disruptive militia who were behind the fences of Frenchtown (fences 5 to 7 feet tall that would protect against small arms but not cannon fire). Thus the Americans were camped almost in battle order with the regulars on the far right (150-250 men of the 17th and 19th US) with an open field on their left. The center and left of the line was to the left of the open field and behind the fences of Frenchtown. This group consisted of 600-700 militia with the 1st Rifles on the right, the 1st Volunteers in the center and the 5th Kentucky on the left. In addition there were up to 100 men divided between Winchester's headquarters and various houses. There were no advanced pickets down the road to Detroit so the British force was able to close within a few hundred yards of the village without detection. It was only the rumble of the British cannons being drawn along that alerted a sentry who shot into the midst of the British column, killing a grenadier.
The British began their attack with an artillery barrage. The artillery was placed 30 paces to the front. British regulars made up the center of the line with Canadian militia and Natives on the flanks. This force quickly concentrated their efforts against the exposed American regulars who were attacked from 3 sides. After about 20 minutes, the regulars broke and retreated to the river bank where they rallied and returned fire.
In the center, the British regulars advanced against the fences held by the militia. While most of the firing was at the 150-200 yard range, the British regulars advanced 3 times during the morning to less than 80 yards. They endured murderous fire from the Kentuckians without being able to do much damage in return as the fences largely protected the Americans. Meanwhile, General Winchester attempted to reform his line. He sent Colonel Allen with elements of the First Rifle Regiment to cover the withdrawal of the regulars and to link up with them. However, the link up failed as first the regulars and then Allen's group panicked and fled across the frozen river. Attempts to rally on the south shore of the river failed and this group than started to retreat south along Hull's Road. Few of them successfully escaped and most were killed or captured as they broke into small groups and were surrounded by natives. Thus, 2 of the companies of the First Rifle Regiment were out of the battle.
Back in Frenchtown, the remainder of the militia were stubbornly holding onto their fence-defensive position - including Hickman's company. Besides decimating the British regulars, the Kentuckian riflemen killed or wounded all but 1 member of the guncrews manning the 3 cannon in the center of the British line. At the same time, brave American volunteers rushed out from the fences to burn down barns that could provide cover to flanking native and Canadian troops. Next, Kentucky riflemen sniped at ammunition resupply sleds (killing one man at 300-400 yards) and picking off 13 out of the 16 man howitzer crew (200 yard range). The British pulled the howitzers back out of rifle range. Native warriors began to infiltrate from the other side of Frenchtown having eliminated the retreating Americans. After about 4 hours of continuous action, both sides settled into taking just the odd pot shot at each other.
At this point, a truce party approached the American lines. They were met and it was discovered one of them was the captured Dr. James Overton who General Winchester's aide-de-camp. He relayed that the British threatened to burn the village and allow the natives to massacre everyone unless the Kentuckians surrendered. In addition, he relayed General Winchester's recommendation to surrender as he had negotiated the protection of prisoners from the natives, the retention of private property, and side arms being returned to the Kentuckians after surrender. At first the Kentuckians were reluctant - they had lost only 5 men killed and less than 40 wounded while inflicting heavy casualties on the British regulars. However, their defenses were becoming battered, they had no way to reply to long distance artillery fire, and many men were down to 2 or 3 cartridges. After 3 sets of negotiations, the terms were agreed to and the Kentuckians marched out to surrender. As they grounded arms, natives swarmed forward grabbing at their belongings and threatening them. Major Madison, in command of the surrendering Kentuckians, protested to Colonel Proctor who claimed the British could not control the natives; however, he got them to back off when the Kentuckians threatened to fight. The almost 400 prisoners were then marched off north towards Detroit. Hickman's and Hart's companies hailed their wounded officers as they were herded off to captivity (Clift, 75).The approximately 60 seriously wounded Americans in Frenchtown were left behind with vague promises of sleighs being sent soon to get them. However, once the British left, native warriors massacred most of the wounded and threatened to kill anyone who touched the bodies that were left to be eaten by scavengers and to rot. One of the victims was Captain Hickman who was pulled from his sickbed (part of 1 leg had been amputated), tomahawked in the head, and left to strangle in his own blood in the snow. Some Americans managed to escape death as they were ransomed by friendly whites or adopted by natives. The massacre of the wounded lead to the American battle cry of 'Remember the Raisin'.
As for the members of Hickman's company that were captured, they were marched to Detroit and held in poor conditions in Amherstburg for a few days. Then they were marched across southwestern Upper Canada (Ontario) to the Niagara region where they were paroled. On February 20th, 1813 they met at Erie, Pennsylvania where they condemned the British treatment of their captives. Their revenge came a year and a half later at Moraviantown (Battle of the Thames) when Tecumseh was killed, the Indian Confederacy was smashed, and Colonel Proctor escaped with only 50 men while losing 12 killed and over 600 as prisoners (Malcomson, 351). The prisoners were sent to Kentucky.....
As noted earlier, Kentuckians continued to fight fiercely after the Battle of the River Raisin - motivated by revenge. The same uniforms made their appearance in these later battles but how many men who survived the Raisin returned to the battlefield? No one knows. However, British treachery at the Raisin would have made honoring their parole a low priority.....
For sources, please see the Resources page.