Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County
General Harmar's Campaign
"General Harmar's Campaign" by Public Library of Fort Wayne and Allen County is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This pamphlet examines the military expedition led by General Josiah Harmar in 1790 against Native American tribes in the Old Northwest, an attempt that culminates in significant military strife and loss. The document serves as an exploration of early American history, particularly focusing on interactions between settlers and Native Americans during a formative time of expansion and conflict. The book primarily consists of three main sections: a detailed description of the Indian villages targeted by Harmar’s expedition, a firsthand journal account written by Colonel David H. Morris, who participated in the campaign, and a speech given by James McGrew reflecting on the historical significance of the events. The accounts reveal the challenges faced by the troops, the ambushes by Native American forces, and the devastating consequences of this campaign, characterized by loss and strategic failures. Through these narratives, readers gain insight into the complex dynamics of early American expansion, the resilience of the Native tribes, and the implications of military actions that shaped the region's history.