Osprey's Campaign title for the battle that marked Major General Arthur St. Clair's downfall in the Northwest Indian War (1785-1795). In 1791, the US Army conducted its first important operation. St. Clair led an American army of about 2,000 into what now is Ohio. On 4 November 1791, the campaign ended in what was, in proportion to the size of the US Army at the time, by far the greatest disaster in American military history. At the battle of the Wabash, also known as St. Clair's Defeat, more Americans died than in any prior battle, more than would fall on any field prior to the Civil War. In the tactical masterpiece of their military history, an Indian army destroyed a force that was larger, encamped on high ground, supported by artillery, and led by many of the best American officers of the Revolutionary War. This highly illustrated and detailed title illuminates all aspects of this historic campaign.
Wabash 1791: St Clair's defeat (Campaign)
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Author John F. Winkler expertly examines the Army’s controversial calamity, analyzing what went wrong and how the Indians scored such a complete victory. Superb color plates by Peter
Dennis depicting woodlands combat are complemented by period illustrations, maps and photos showing everything from artifacts and re-enactors to the present-day site of the clash. This concise, 96-page book is a fascinating look at a relatively little-known battle, especially considering how the Army suffered triple the number of casualties at the Wabash than were much more famously slaughtered by the Sioux and their allies at Custer’s Last Stand in 1876."
- Toy Soldier & Model Figure (April 2013)
Dennis depicting woodlands combat are complemented by period illustrations, maps and photos showing everything from artifacts and re-enactors to the present-day site of the clash. This concise, 96-page book is a fascinating look at a relatively little-known battle, especially considering how the Army suffered triple the number of casualties at the Wabash than were much more famously slaughtered by the Sioux and their allies at Custer’s Last Stand in 1876."
- Toy Soldier & Model Figure (April 2013)
About the Author
John F. Winkler lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife of more than 40 years. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. He has written many works on the history of Roman, English and American law. He also explores forgotten historical sites in Ohio and neighboring states.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
John F. Winkler has operated a shoe store and taught law students how to try cases, fled homeless from an arsonist's fire and camped in the deserts of Iran and Afghanistan, given lectures on medieval history at Oxford and been quoted by the U. S. Supreme Court. He lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife of more than 40 years. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By Gareth Simon
Format:Paperback
From the Author's Introduction -
"In 1791, the Federal government of the United States faced its first crisis. Two years into the presidency of George Washington and four years after ratification of the US Constitution, raids by American Indians living in what is now Ohio had become intolerable. Unless the United States acted to take control of the area between the Ohio River and the Great Lakes, the new nation would have no future west of the Appalachian Mountains.
The federal government's 300-man US Army was too small to undertake a campaign against the Ohio Indians. To create a sufficient force, the government recruited soldiers from across the United States. To lead them in a difficult mission on the remote Ohio River frontier, Washington looked to men who had proven their ability to command. He summoned from retirement the Continental Army officers with whom he had won American Independence at Yorktown ten years before.
Major-General Arthur St. Clair, who had been one of Washington's principal lieutenants, assembled at Cincinatti about 2,000 badly trained and ill-equipped soldiers. He then led them into dense and trackless Ohio forests. Hindered by geographical ignorance, difficult terrain, bad weather, illness, and a lack of supplies, the Americans advanced as far as the Wabash River. There, at what is now Fort Recovery, Ohio, an Indian army awaited them.
On November 4th 1791, more than 3,000 Americans and Indians met at the battle of the Wabash. Few engagements in American military history are more dramatic: Revolutionary War heroes, legendary frontiersmen and celebrated Indian chiefs and warriors fought in the Ohio woods the greatest of all battles between Americans and Indians. Three hours of combat tested the armies' very different tactics and weapons. Concentrated Americans faced dispersed Indians. American artillery and bayonets confronted Indian muskets, bows, and tomahawks. By the time it ended, about 800 Americans were dead, more than had fallen in any battle of the Revolutionary War, and more than would fall on any battlefield before the Civil war. Hundreds more were wounded."
The Contents are -
P05: Introduction
P06: The Strategic Situation
.The Ohio River frontier; The Northwest Territory; Harmar's Campaign
P16: Chronology
P18: Opposing Commanders
P23: Opposing Armies
P31; Opposing Plans
P38: The Campaign and Battle
.The Americans advance; The battle of the Wabash; The Americans retreat
P88: Aftermath
P92: The Battlefield Today
P94: Bibliography
P95: Index
The Colour Plates -
P04: Map - "The situation in eastern North America in 1791". The colour registers are off as the map is coloured slightly differently to the colour key - Vermont appears to be independent, for example, and the Spanish and Indian territories don't match the key.
P33: Map - "American lines of communication and supply". This is centred on a line roughly following the Ohio to Fort Steuben.
P36: Map - "The area of operations". This is covering the area roughly between the Ohio and Lakes Erie and Michigan.
P40: Map - "The beginning of the campaign, January 8 to October 4, 1791" This is a ľ page map, roughly centred on Fort Washington, reaching to Fort Hamilton.
P45: Map - "The American advance, October 5 to November 3, 1791". This is the area from Fort Hamilton north to the Wabash River.
P58-59: ľ view map (i.e. looking down from but at an angle) - "The Indian Attack on November 7, on the American camp, 6.45 - 7.15 AM". The Indians overrun the outposts and the Kentucky militia's camp, and surround the main camp.
P62-63: ľ view map - "The American Camp, 7.15 - 8.30 AM" - The Indians invade the camp and are attacked by American bayonet charges.
P66-67: a two-page painting - "The Wabash Ravine, November 4th 1791, 7.15 AM: This artwork shows the scene a half-hour after the first Indian attack. Indians now surround the camp. Those in the foreground are Miami Indians, in positions across the Wabash from the end of St. Clair's Trace."
This is an excellently designed and executed atmospheric and informative plate; the highlight of the artwork in this book.
P70-71: A two-page painting - "The Center of the American Camp, November 4 1791, 8.15 AM. After an hour and a half of battle the Americans tried to drive the Indians from their rear lines in a wheeling charge to the right... As the Americans charged, Shawnee and then Wyandot Indians broke through the weakly held south-eastern corner of the American perimeter. After racing into the interior of the American camp, they massacred the wounded and civilians and looted the army's supplies... The artwork shows three companies of 2nd Infantry Regiment soldiers charging to expel them. The figures in the foreground are in the center of the American camp, where the army's wagons and supplies were located, and where the women, children and wounded have been sent to what was believed to be an area of safety."
Another atmospheric painting, second only to the previous one (pun unintended but unavoidable).
P78-79: a two-page painting - "The Last Charge, November 4 1791, 9.30 AM. After almost three hours of battle, the Americans, stunned by the failure of repeated bayonet charges and Indian infliction of massive casualties, have retreated into an area of about 3 acres at the northern end of the camp... After 15 minutes of slaughter in the confined area, the few surviving American officers have realized that the entire army will be lost unless it now flees from the field... The figures in the foreground are near the northern end of the rear line... In the distance, Ojibwe Indians occupy positions opposite them. American officers are desperately trying to persuade the demoralized soldiers to form a line to charge the Ojibwe with bayonets".
P82: Map - "The American retreat, November 4-8, 1791." From the battlefield back to Fort Washington- a lot quicker than the advance.
P86-87: ľ view map - "The American Collapse. The Americans are forced to abandon their perimeter and retreat."
As well as the plates described above, there are numerous excellent illustrations and photographs in colour and monochrome.
This is an excellent account of the campaign and battle. The illustrations are superb, far above the quality of the (admittedly) few other Campaign volumes I have seen. Highly recommended
"In 1791, the Federal government of the United States faced its first crisis. Two years into the presidency of George Washington and four years after ratification of the US Constitution, raids by American Indians living in what is now Ohio had become intolerable. Unless the United States acted to take control of the area between the Ohio River and the Great Lakes, the new nation would have no future west of the Appalachian Mountains.
The federal government's 300-man US Army was too small to undertake a campaign against the Ohio Indians. To create a sufficient force, the government recruited soldiers from across the United States. To lead them in a difficult mission on the remote Ohio River frontier, Washington looked to men who had proven their ability to command. He summoned from retirement the Continental Army officers with whom he had won American Independence at Yorktown ten years before.
Major-General Arthur St. Clair, who had been one of Washington's principal lieutenants, assembled at Cincinatti about 2,000 badly trained and ill-equipped soldiers. He then led them into dense and trackless Ohio forests. Hindered by geographical ignorance, difficult terrain, bad weather, illness, and a lack of supplies, the Americans advanced as far as the Wabash River. There, at what is now Fort Recovery, Ohio, an Indian army awaited them.
On November 4th 1791, more than 3,000 Americans and Indians met at the battle of the Wabash. Few engagements in American military history are more dramatic: Revolutionary War heroes, legendary frontiersmen and celebrated Indian chiefs and warriors fought in the Ohio woods the greatest of all battles between Americans and Indians. Three hours of combat tested the armies' very different tactics and weapons. Concentrated Americans faced dispersed Indians. American artillery and bayonets confronted Indian muskets, bows, and tomahawks. By the time it ended, about 800 Americans were dead, more than had fallen in any battle of the Revolutionary War, and more than would fall on any battlefield before the Civil war. Hundreds more were wounded."
The Contents are -
P05: Introduction
P06: The Strategic Situation
.The Ohio River frontier; The Northwest Territory; Harmar's Campaign
P16: Chronology
P18: Opposing Commanders
P23: Opposing Armies
P31; Opposing Plans
P38: The Campaign and Battle
.The Americans advance; The battle of the Wabash; The Americans retreat
P88: Aftermath
P92: The Battlefield Today
P94: Bibliography
P95: Index
The Colour Plates -
P04: Map - "The situation in eastern North America in 1791". The colour registers are off as the map is coloured slightly differently to the colour key - Vermont appears to be independent, for example, and the Spanish and Indian territories don't match the key.
P33: Map - "American lines of communication and supply". This is centred on a line roughly following the Ohio to Fort Steuben.
P36: Map - "The area of operations". This is covering the area roughly between the Ohio and Lakes Erie and Michigan.
P40: Map - "The beginning of the campaign, January 8 to October 4, 1791" This is a ľ page map, roughly centred on Fort Washington, reaching to Fort Hamilton.
P45: Map - "The American advance, October 5 to November 3, 1791". This is the area from Fort Hamilton north to the Wabash River.
P58-59: ľ view map (i.e. looking down from but at an angle) - "The Indian Attack on November 7, on the American camp, 6.45 - 7.15 AM". The Indians overrun the outposts and the Kentucky militia's camp, and surround the main camp.
P62-63: ľ view map - "The American Camp, 7.15 - 8.30 AM" - The Indians invade the camp and are attacked by American bayonet charges.
P66-67: a two-page painting - "The Wabash Ravine, November 4th 1791, 7.15 AM: This artwork shows the scene a half-hour after the first Indian attack. Indians now surround the camp. Those in the foreground are Miami Indians, in positions across the Wabash from the end of St. Clair's Trace."
This is an excellently designed and executed atmospheric and informative plate; the highlight of the artwork in this book.
P70-71: A two-page painting - "The Center of the American Camp, November 4 1791, 8.15 AM. After an hour and a half of battle the Americans tried to drive the Indians from their rear lines in a wheeling charge to the right... As the Americans charged, Shawnee and then Wyandot Indians broke through the weakly held south-eastern corner of the American perimeter. After racing into the interior of the American camp, they massacred the wounded and civilians and looted the army's supplies... The artwork shows three companies of 2nd Infantry Regiment soldiers charging to expel them. The figures in the foreground are in the center of the American camp, where the army's wagons and supplies were located, and where the women, children and wounded have been sent to what was believed to be an area of safety."
Another atmospheric painting, second only to the previous one (pun unintended but unavoidable).
P78-79: a two-page painting - "The Last Charge, November 4 1791, 9.30 AM. After almost three hours of battle, the Americans, stunned by the failure of repeated bayonet charges and Indian infliction of massive casualties, have retreated into an area of about 3 acres at the northern end of the camp... After 15 minutes of slaughter in the confined area, the few surviving American officers have realized that the entire army will be lost unless it now flees from the field... The figures in the foreground are near the northern end of the rear line... In the distance, Ojibwe Indians occupy positions opposite them. American officers are desperately trying to persuade the demoralized soldiers to form a line to charge the Ojibwe with bayonets".
P82: Map - "The American retreat, November 4-8, 1791." From the battlefield back to Fort Washington- a lot quicker than the advance.
P86-87: ľ view map - "The American Collapse. The Americans are forced to abandon their perimeter and retreat."
As well as the plates described above, there are numerous excellent illustrations and photographs in colour and monochrome.
This is an excellent account of the campaign and battle. The illustrations are superb, far above the quality of the (admittedly) few other Campaign volumes I have seen. Highly recommended
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Ky. Col.
Format:Paperback
I have enjoyed numerous volumes of the Osprey Campaign Series. Admittedly I usually skim them or read certain sections for referrence/enjoyment. "Wabash 1791" however merited a cover-to-cover read. This might possibly be my favorite campaign series yet.
In November 1791 a sizeable force of American soldiers and militia were encamped on high ground on the upper Wabash in Ohio following a dismal march through treachorous wilderness. Many of their commanders had served in the pivital battles of the American Revolution ranging from Lexington to Yorktown. Backed by artillery support they seemed a match for a probably smaller alliance of American Indian tribes and their British advisors. What followed however was a masterful surprise attack in which the natives enveloped and then practically annilihated the American army in the bloodiest pre-Civil War day in American history. Wabash is argueably the most fascinating of frontier battles. On the Native side were leaders such as Little Turtle, Blue Jacket, Simon Girty and warriors such as Techumseh. The Americans were a mixture of skilled frontiersmen, regular soldiers, and completely unprepared militia and levies. The battle itself was fought on a snowy morning in a vast forrest far from significant American settlement. And the result was a military disaster far worse than that suffered by Custer at Little Bighorn.
"Wabash 1791" is generally well written and helps put the events of that fateful day in the broader context of the Ohio Valley conlicts. The battle artwork is well done and the descriptions of opposing forces very helpful. Battlefield Maps, Photographs, and a bibliography assist readers who wish to learn more about the battle.
In November 1791 a sizeable force of American soldiers and militia were encamped on high ground on the upper Wabash in Ohio following a dismal march through treachorous wilderness. Many of their commanders had served in the pivital battles of the American Revolution ranging from Lexington to Yorktown. Backed by artillery support they seemed a match for a probably smaller alliance of American Indian tribes and their British advisors. What followed however was a masterful surprise attack in which the natives enveloped and then practically annilihated the American army in the bloodiest pre-Civil War day in American history. Wabash is argueably the most fascinating of frontier battles. On the Native side were leaders such as Little Turtle, Blue Jacket, Simon Girty and warriors such as Techumseh. The Americans were a mixture of skilled frontiersmen, regular soldiers, and completely unprepared militia and levies. The battle itself was fought on a snowy morning in a vast forrest far from significant American settlement. And the result was a military disaster far worse than that suffered by Custer at Little Bighorn.
"Wabash 1791" is generally well written and helps put the events of that fateful day in the broader context of the Ohio Valley conlicts. The battle artwork is well done and the descriptions of opposing forces very helpful. Battlefield Maps, Photographs, and a bibliography assist readers who wish to learn more about the battle.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Battle of 1791 gives excellent time and location prospective on the battle.
December 24, 2011
Format:Paperback
I am the type of person that wants to understand sequence and location of the events which Mr. Winkler's book addresses in an excellent way. This is its most important contribution made in the book to the information that has already been written on the Battle of 1791. I was better prepared to walk around the actual battlefield area with his book in hand and turned to the page that has the site map and comprehend more completely what had happened as to time and place.
Also Mr. Winkler's book answered some questions I have had on the number of troops on the two north south battle lines and also other battle sites in OH, KY, and IN from the same time period that I have interest in visiting. I see that Piqua, OH has a battleground I need to visit along with others in the area. I have been through Piqua and used to have friend there but until I read Mr. Winkler's book was unaware of the battlefield along with others he mentions.
Overall the book provides information on the situation in the Northwest Territory and incidents between the Native Americans and the settlers that were happening that lead up to the battle, the layout of the camp and battlefield, the actual battle that lasted from three to four hours, and then the retreat and consequences.
If one has an opportunity to visit the battle site and museum at Ft. Recovery, OH, which I highly recommend, this book should be read ahead of time and then be taken to the battle site to walk the area and understand what and where everything happened. One will then more fully comprehend what happened at Ft Recovery on November 4, 1791.
Also Mr. Winkler's book answered some questions I have had on the number of troops on the two north south battle lines and also other battle sites in OH, KY, and IN from the same time period that I have interest in visiting. I see that Piqua, OH has a battleground I need to visit along with others in the area. I have been through Piqua and used to have friend there but until I read Mr. Winkler's book was unaware of the battlefield along with others he mentions.
Overall the book provides information on the situation in the Northwest Territory and incidents between the Native Americans and the settlers that were happening that lead up to the battle, the layout of the camp and battlefield, the actual battle that lasted from three to four hours, and then the retreat and consequences.
If one has an opportunity to visit the battle site and museum at Ft. Recovery, OH, which I highly recommend, this book should be read ahead of time and then be taken to the battle site to walk the area and understand what and where everything happened. One will then more fully comprehend what happened at Ft Recovery on November 4, 1791.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
BEST OSPREY BOOK I'VE READ TO DATE
Of all the Osprey titles I own and that is many, this has been the best read. I completely enjoyed every aspect of this book.
Published 8 hours ago by Charley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Analysis
I originally posted this in reply to another review but thought it would be better as a stand alone review with a few general comments. Sorry for the repost. Read more
Published 1 month ago by tcawa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wabash 1791
without doubt the best book on Wabash there is. this little-known battle in 1791 was the worst defeat of the US at the hands of Native Americans, 3 times worse than little bighorn... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Phil Historian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Super book
This book was very absorbing and the illustrations and maps were of great help in visualizing the campaign and St. Clair's ultimate defeat. I recommend this book.
Published 5 months ago by Michael J. Morrison
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is an excellent account of the campaign and battle
From the Author's Introduction -
"In 1791, the Federal government of the United States faced its first crisis. Read more
"In 1791, the Federal government of the United States faced its first crisis. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Gareth Simon
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book about the "Battle of a Thousand Slain" and also an...
I never heard about the battle of Wabash before buying this book and by reading it I learned a mighty lot about early years of United States, just after the War of Independence,... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Maciej
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wabash 1791: St Clair's Defeat
A nice read. I learned some new things. Interesting insights. Well worth the short read. I was a participant at the 1991 re-enactment of St Clair's defeat, it was just as cold... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Ohio reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the better Osprey Campaign series
This is one of the better Osprey books in their campaign series. Maps are excellent, order of battle is very good, author clearly knows the subject and the locations. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Scholar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Review from Finland
Subject: Fwd:Review Wabash 1791 book
----- Edelleenvälitetty viesti lähettäjältä @oulu. Read more
----- Edelleenvälitetty viesti lähettäjältä @oulu. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Fin Prof
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Brutal, Incisive and Well-Written Account of Frontier Warfare
Nowadays, it is fashionable to depict the American Indian as victims of America's insatiable greed for land and racial prejudices. Read more
Published 16 months ago by R. A Forczyk
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
