From “Richardson’s War of 1812; with notes and a life of the author” by Major John Richardson, 41st Regiment:
Persuaded moreover, from the sudden cessation of the firing in that direction, that our centre and left (for the wood intercepted them from our view), had been overcome, we, at the suggestion and command of Lieutenant Hailes, the only officer with us, prepared to make good our retreat, but, instead of going deeper into the wood as we purposed, we mistook our way, and found ourselves unexpectedly in the road ; when, on glancing to the right, we beheld, at a distance of about five hundred yards, the main body of our men disarmed grouped together, and surrounded by American troops. On turning to the left, as we instinctively did, we saw a strong body of cavalry coming toward us, evidently returning from some short pursuit, and slowly walking their horses. At the head of these, and dressed like his men, in Kentucky hunting frocks, was a stout elderly officer whom we subsequently knew to be Governor Shelby, and who the moment he beheld us emerging from the wood, galloped forward and brandishing his sword over his head, cried out with stentorian lungs “Surrender surrender, it’s no use resisting, all your people are taken, and you had better surrender.” There was no alternative. The channel to escape had been closed by the horsemen in the wood, as well as those in the road, and a surrender was unavoidable. We accordingly moved down to join our captured comrades, as directed by Governor Shelby, yet I well recollect burying my musket in the mud, which was very deep, in order to avoid giving it up to the enemy.
From General Harrison’s report to Secretary of War John Armstrong, dated 9 October 1813 from “Head-Quarters, Detroit”:
The Indians, still further to the right, advanced, and fell in with our front line of Infantry, near its junction with Desha s division, and, for a moment, made an impression upon it. His Excellency, Gov. Shelby, however, brought up a regiment to its support; and the enemy, receiving a severe fire in front, and a part of Johnson’s regiment having gained their rear, retreated with precipitation. Their loss was very considerable in the action, and many were killed in their retreat.
In communicating to the President, through you, sir, my opinion of the conduct of the officers, who served under my command, I am at a loss how to mention that of Gov. Shelby, being convinced that no eulogium of mine can reach his merits ; the Governor of an independent state greatly my superior in years, in experience, and in military character he placed himself under my command; and was not more remarkable for his zeal and activity, than for the promptitude and cheerfulness with which he obeyed my orders.
2nd Kentucky Regiment of Volunteers 