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Battle of Bushy Run

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Battle of Bushy Run
Part of Pontiac's Rebellion

Charge of the Highlanders at the Battle of Bushy Run . Oil on canvas.
DateAugust 4 – August 5, 1763
Location
present Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Result British victory
Belligerents
Ohio Country natives Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Guyasuta
Keekyuscung †		 Henry Bouquet
Strength
Unknown 500
Casualties and losses
Unknown 50

The Battle of Bushy Run was fought during Pontiac's Rebellion between a British relief column under the command of Colonel Henry Bouquet and a combined force of Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron warriors.

In July 1763, a British relief column of consisting of 500 British soldiers was sent to relieve Fort Pitt, then under siege. Under the command of Bouquet, the column left Carlisle, Pennsylvania. On August 4, while passing through present-day Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the column was ambushed by a large force of Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron 25 miles east of Fort Pitt. The British managed to hold their ground and, after the natives withdrew after sunset, Bouquet ordered a redoubt constructed on Edge Hill placing their wounded and livestock in the center of the perimeter.

The following morning, after the evening sentries were being relieved, the allied tribes attacked only to be ambushed themselves by relived sentries. As the tribal forces were flanked, the warriors fled in a disorganized retreat. With troops under Bouquet, the column dispersed the attackers before heading to Bushy Run, where there was badly needed water, about a mile from Edge Hill. The battle has since been attributed to this location despite the main fighting taking place in Edge Hill. Bouquet then marched to the relief of Fort Pitt. The battle had been costly with 50 British soldiers killed. The confederacy of the Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron also suffered an unknown number of casualties including two prominent Delaware chieftains.

References

  • Keenan, Jerry. Encyclopedia of American Indian Wars, Santa Barbra, California: ABC-CLIO Inc., 1997.
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