In December 1812, U.S. forces, led by General John P. Boyd, launched an attack on a Lenape village located near the Mississinewa River. This assault was part of the broader context of the War of 1812, where the U.S. sought to assert its dominance and expand its territory, often at the expense of Native American tribes. The Lenape, alongside other Native nations, had formed alliances with the British, giving them support in resisting American encroachment on their lands. The attack was intended to dismantle this support network and assert U.S. authority in the region.

The assault on the Lenape village was characterized by its violence and strategic objectives. Boyd's forces aimed not only to defeat the Lenape but also to send a message to other tribes contemplating siding with the British. This military action was significant as it underscored the challenges the U.S. faced in terms of its relationship with Native Americans, as the war intensified existing tensions and distrust. As the attackers engaged in combat, they caused considerable destruction, impacting the lives and livelihoods of the local population.

Following the attack, the consequences for the Lenape were severe, leading to further displacement and hardship. The U.S. military's focus on displacing Native Americans during the War of 1812 demonstrated the broader patterns of conflict and resistance that would continue to shape U.S.-Native relations for decades. The event not only marked a tactical engagement but also became emblematic of the greater struggle between expansionist U.S. objectives and the rights of Indigenous peoples to their ancestral lands.