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Battle of the Mississinewa River, December 17, 1812 After receiving permission from Secretary of War William Eustis, Harrison ordered Lieutenant Colonel John B. Campbell to destroy the Miami villages along the Mississinewa River. Campbell's force of 600 mounted troops departed from Fort Greenville on December 14 and reached Silver Heel's village on December 17 and took 42 Lenape prisoners. The mounted force then moved down the Mississinewa River, attacking at least two Miami villages. The Indians were taken by surprise and had not evacuated. A large number of Miami were killed, and 76 were taken prisoner, including 34 women and children. Later that day, having accomplished his objective, Campbell considered returning to Fort Greenville on account of severe frostbite among his troops. Campbell claimed that 8 Indians were killed. On, December 18, the Campbell force was attacked by Native Americans. A joint cavalry charge led by Major James McDowell and Captains Trotter and Johnston finally broke the attack. The American losses were 8 killed and 48 wounded. Campbell claimed that at least 30 warriors and 34 women and children were captured. One of the captured villagers told Campbell that Tecumseh was nearby and was on approach, so Campbell began the return march to Fort Greenville. After the battle, an entire regiment was disbanded due to frostbite injuries.
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