At the first symptom of retreat, the enemy redoubled their exertions and pressed so obstinately on the Americans, that the little line was soon thrown into disorder.  A panic seized the Kentuckians, who had just defended themselves so bravely, and mistaking the command to fall back, for directions to retreat, they rushed to the river, which they crossed on the ice, and began to fly through the woods, in the direction of the Maumee Rapids.  Exhilarated by victory, the British gave pursuit, the chase being led by the savages, who tasted, in anticipation, the blood of the fugitives.  In vain Winchester, riding among the men, endeavored to rally them; in vain Colonels Lewis and Allen, hurrying from their enclosures with a company of fifty men each, struggled to check the torrent of defeat.  Nothing would avail.  Allen fell, bravely fighting in the desperate attempt; while Winchester, with Lewis and other officers were taken prisoners.  The rout now became a massacre.  The Indians, like hungry tigers, pursued the soldiers and brought them down with rifle or tomahawk.  Of the whole of that chivalrous band which had left the Raisin with Winchester two days before, all were slaughtered except forty who were taken prisoners and twenty-eight who escaped.  The troops at Frenchtown, about six hundred able-bodied men, surrendered.  Sixty-four wounded prisoners were burned in a house.

Why dwell on the horrors of the River Raisin?  They are matters of history which had better be forgotten than remembered.  Fernando Stevens’ company did excellent work until the retreat began.  Captain Rose, with his sharpshooters, sought to cover the retreat of the Americans, but discovered that they were about to be flanked.

“Sergeant, Sergeant!” cried Captain Rose, “we must fly!”

The two officers were almost alone on the field; but, taking to their heels, they soon outstripped three big Indians who were trying to head them off.  Fernando shot one of the savages with his pistol and, dodging the hatchets which the others threw at him, charged them with his clubbed rifle and knocked one down.  The other fled.  Fernando did not attempt to pursue him, but flew as fast as his legs could carry him to the river.

He had reached the middle of the frozen stream, which was covered with ghastly forms, when Captain Rose suddenly clasped his hand to his side and uttered a groan.

“Captain, are you hit?” he asked.

Captain Rose made no answer, but turned partially around.  His eyes were closed; his jaw fell, and Fernando saw he was sinking.  He caught him in his arms; but Captain Rose was dead before he touched the ice.

There was no time to waste with dead friends, and Fernando fled to the wood beyond.

For a long time, the Indians were close at his heels.  Once they were so near that he heard a tomahawk as it came fluttering through the air past his head.  Then the sounds of pursuit grew less, and at last he found himself alone on a hill.  Three Indians were following on his trail, and he concealed himself behind a tree until they were within range of his rifle, and then fired.