River Raisin

The Battle of River Raisin occurred over the course of several days in January, 1813. Apprised of a British force at Frenchtown while encamped at the Maumee Rapids, U.S. Brig. Gen. James Winchester dispatched a contingent to capture the town. On January 18, Lt. Col. William Lewis engaged the British and drove them from Frenchtown. Winchester moved up to reinforce Lewis. British Col. Henry Procter soon returned with a force of 1,400 including 800 Wyandot warriors. Procter attacked before dawn on January 22. With a little over 900 men, outnumbered and with their backs to the Raisin River, Winchester's command, made up primarily of Kentucky Volunteers, along with the 17th U.S. Infantry put up a stiff fight. Winchester was captured and compelled the remainder of his command to surrender. Procter withdrew leaving behind the wounded who could not travel. The next day, warriors returned to pillage and many of the American wounded were killed. The battle gave rise to cry “Remember the Raisin.”