Battle of Fort Recovery

Battle of Fort Recovery. . "Musketballs were heard continually striking against the pickets and logs of the blockhouses, and whizzlng over the heads of those in the garrison." , Isaac Paxton of Captain Alexander Gibson's rifle company, On June 29, 1794, a supply convoy led by Major William McMahon left Greeneville. Over 360 packhorses carrying supplies, accompanied by 50 dragoons and 90 rifleman, arrived at Fort Recovery in the evening. At the same time, the American Indian alliance, consisting of 2,000 warriors and again under the direction of Weyapiersenwah (Blue Jacket) and Mihšihkinaahkwa (Little Turtle), was gathering north of Fort Recovery. In an increased effort to protect their homelands and their way of life against the invading U.S. forces and encroachment of settlers, additional tribes had joined the alliance with the goal of cutting off U.S. supply lines. McMahon's soldiers and men with packhorses could not fit within the small fort, so they camped about 400 yards away. On the morning of June 30, the convoy was given orders to return to Greeneville. The American Indian alliance attacked the convoy at sunrise, no more than half a mile from Fort Recovery. U.S. Army reinforcements that left the fort to aid the convoy were targeted by the alliance, and the soldiers quickly retreated back to Fort Recovery. Some American Indian leaders wanted to retreat, but other tribal leaders wanted to attack the fort. After hours of fighting, the American Indians were pushed back but the battle continued for another day. In total, 22 U.S. soldiers were killed including McMahon, 30 injured, and three were missing in action. American Indian losses were noted as 50 dead and 100 wounded. The Battle of Fort Recovery was considered a significant success for the U.S. Army. It was followed by U.S. victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers (present-day Maumee, near Toledo) on August 20, 1794.