[WAR OF 1812] -- [HARRISON, William H. (1773-1841)]. A soldier's letter reporting on the success of General William H. Harrison at the Battle of the Thames. Detroit, 14 October 1813.

3pp, 7 5/8 x 8 7/8 in. (spots of paper loss and separation to interior, toning and discoloration, creasing). Addressed to Captain Samuel C. Vance, Cincinnati, on verso.

Charles F. Clarkson writes to Captain Vance: "I have the pleasure to inform you that I am once more a free man. I resigned on the 11th of this month...You have no doubt heard the success of Genl. Harrison in capturing the British Army and conquering the Indians, he has taken 600 regular soldiers prisoner's (sic), killed a considerable number of Indians, and confirmed a treaty of peace with all the Indian Tribes who have been hostile heretofore. A treaty too which I have no doubt will be lasting. I was with the Genl. this morning he was very well..."

Captain Samuel C. Vance (ca 1770-1830) was born in Pennsylvania but moved to Cincinnati and married the granddaughter of General Arthur St. Clair, Miss Mary Morris Lawrence (1783-1823) within the first few years of the nineteenth century. Trained as a surveyor, he also laid out the future city of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which would be named after his bride's family. Governor of that territory, William Henry Harrison, appointed Vance Clerk of the Courts for Dearborn County, a position he held from 1803-1813. Vance's military career included service under Anthony Wayne during the Indian Wars, and as a soldier in the War of 1812.

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