James Madison Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-05-02-0254

From James Madison to James Monroe, 23 September 1812

To James Monroe

Washington Sepr. 23. 1812.

Dear Sir

Still without authentic information from Abroad. The Halifax papers expect Adml. Warren with a naval force, and an offer of peace. It appears that Wellington has gained a victory over Marmont;1 The extent of it not ascertained. From the West the accounts are that a B & Indn. force amounting to about 600 left Malden after the surrender of Detroit, to attack F. Wayne, & in case of success, to proceed to F. Harrison & Vincennes.2 As it is pretty certain F. Harrison was invested, it is apprehended that F. Wayne may have fallen. According to the latest dates however, that is to say the 13th. inst: from Urbanna, no such information had come to hand.3 Harrison has finally determined to push on himself towards Fort Wayne; having left Piqua on the 6th. inst: with the rear of the Army, & an intention to overtake it by forced marches. The force then immediately with him will be about 3000. Affce. respects

James Madison

Good supplies of tents, Blankets & other articles have been sent from Pittsburg, as well as from Philada. for the N. Western Expedition.

RC (DLC: Monroe Papers).

1On 22 July 1812 the duke of Wellington won a decisive victory over French forces commanded by Auguste-Frédéric-Louis Viesse de Marmont at the Battle of Salamanca in northern Spain (Tulard, Dictionnaire Napoléon, 1144, 1745).

2Harrison’s 5 Sept. 1812 letter to Eustis provided this news. The general explained that the perilous situation of Fort Wayne had prompted his decision to leave Piqua in order to reinforce the fort (DNA: RG 107, LRRS, H-366:6).

3Meigs’s 13 Sept. 1812 letter to Eustis reported that Harrison had marched from Piqua on 6 Sept. with 3,000 troops “for the relief of Fort Wayne,” but Meigs provided no news of the condition of the fort (ibid., M-424:6).

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