ALLEN COUNTY OHIO - HISTORY: Part 4 (published 1898)
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HISTORICAL COLLECTION OF OHIO, By Henry Howe, LL.D., 1898

                THE BLACK SWAMP MUTINY

        A day of two before the battle of the Thames, Raper's company was
told to march up the lake some fifteen miles to prevent the landing of the
British from their vessels, and the engagement took place during their
absence. This circumstance rendered it necessary for his company, which was
now the strongest, to be put in charge of the prisoners taken by Commodore
Perry and Gen. Harrison, and march them across the State to the Newport
Station in Kentucky.
        His superior officers having been taken sick, the command devolved
upon him. It was a responsible undertaking for so young an officer. The
company consisted of 100 soldiers, and the prisoners numbered 400. Their
route was through the wilderness of the Black Swamp, which at that season
was nearly covered with water. In their march they became bewildered and
lost. For three days and nights they wandered about in the swamp without
food, and became so scattered, that on the morning of the third day he
found himself with a guard of only twelve men, and one hundred prisoners.
Seeing their weakness the prisoners mutinied, and refused to march. No time
was to be lost; Raper called out his men, commanded them to make ready,
which they did by fixing bayonets and cocking their guns. He then gave the
prisoners five minutes to decide whether they would obey him or not. At the
expiration of the last minute the soldiers were ordered to present arms,
take aim, and-but before the word "fire," had escaped his lips, a large
Scotch soldier cried "hold," and stepping aside, asked the privilege of
saying a word to his companions; it was granted, whereupon he addressed
them as follows: "We have been taken in a fair fight, and are prisoners;
honorably so, and this conduct is disgraceful to our king's flag, not
becoming true soldiers. Now, said he, "I have had no hand in raising this
mutiny, and I propose that all who are in favor of behaving themselves as
honorable prisoners of war shall rally around me, and we will take the
others in hand ourselves, and the American guard shall stand by and see
fair play." This speech had the desired effect, the mutiny was brought to
an end without bloodshed, and Raper delivered his prisoners at Newport.
They had among the prisoners two Indians, whom Raper forced at the point to
the sword to lead them out of the swamp. After Raper's arrival in Newport
he was offered a commission in the regular army. Such was his love for his
mother that he would take no important step without consulting her. The
answer was characteristic of the noble mothers of that day. "My son, if my
country was still engaged in war and I had fifty sons I would freely give
them all to her service, but, as peace is now declared, I think something
better awaits my son that the camp-life of a soldier in time of peace." In
1819 Raper became a minister in the Methodist Church, and while travelling
in Indiana, upon the first visit to one of his appointments, a fine, large
man approached him, called him brother, and said: "I knew you the moment I
saw you, but I suppose you have forgotten me. I am the Scotch soldier that
made the speech to the prisoners the morning of the mutiny in the Black
Swamp. After we were exchanged as prisoners of war, my enlistment
terminated. I had been brought to see the justice of the American cause and
the greatness of the county, and I resolved to become an American citizen.
I came to this State, rented some land, and opened up a farm. I have joined
the Methodist Church, and praise God! the best of all is, I have obtained
religion! Not among the least of my blessings is a fine wife and noble
child. So come, said he, "dinner will be ready by the time we get home."
And the two soldiers now as friends and Christians, renewed their
acquaintance, and were ever after fast friends.
        At another time Raper met with a singular accident while riding to
one of his appointments. Swimming his horse over a swollen creek, the horse
became entangled and sank, but with great effort he managed to catch hold
of the limb of a tree overhead, where he was enabled to rest and hold his
head above water. While thus suspended, the thought rushed upon him.
"Mother is praying for me, and I shall be saved." After resting a moment he
made an effort and got to shore, his horse also safely landing. His mother,
ninety miles away, that morning awoke suddenly in afright with the thought
upon her, "William is in great danger," when she sprang from her bed, and
falling on her knees prayed for some time in intense supplication for his
safety, until she received a sweet assurance that all was well. When they
met and related the facts, and compared the time, they precisely agreed.
        This hero of the Black Swamp died in 1852, closing a life of great
usefulness. Father Finley says of him that he was an eloquent preacher, a
sweet, melodious singer, was filled with the spirit of kindness, while his
conversational powers were superior, replete with a fund of useful
incidents gathered from practical life in camp, pulpit and cabin.


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