Across The Fence: Battle of the Wabash – St. Clair's Defeat

The Harmar campaign against the Native Americans of the Northwest Territory, in the autumn of 1790, resulted in the highest casualties of any previous battle of the U.S. Army.

After the final skirmish of that campaign, General Josiah Harmar and the remaining rag-tag force under his command retreated from the field of battle and returned to Fort Washington. During the two-week march, horses starved and members of the volunteer militia continued to desert.

The Indian victory established the Miami chief, Little Turtle, as a heroic leader and gave the Native Americans the incentive to continue the...