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This article needs to focus more on Atherton's experiences during the War of 1812 and less on the historical significance of his narrative. Key information is missing. For example, there is no description of what Atherton witnessed during the massacre on January 23rd, no indication of how long he was a captive of the Potawatomi, and no explanation about how he eventually came to be in British custody.

As the commanding officer of the 1st Rifle Regiment, Kentucky Militia, Lt. Col. John Allen's should be included in the list of officers Atherton served under.

The infobox erroneously shows Atherton serving in the 1st Regiment of Riflemen, a regular army unit during the war.

Atherton's description of tactics only applies to how the Essex militia and the Potawatomi retreated during the First Battle of Frenchtown. During the Second Battle of Frenchtown, Colonel Procter attacked the Kentucky militia head on, while Roundtree outflanked the regulars on the American right. "Fire and retreat" was an effective tactic against inexperienced soldiers, however, it did not "ultimately" give the British and their Indigenous allies "superiority on the battlefield."

Atherton's narrative may have used in Kentucky schools but there is no evidence of its use in other states. The suggested change is from "is taught today at schools in the United States" to "has been used in schools in Kentucky."

The example of John O'Fallon is a poor choice when contrasting Atherton's lengthy internment by the British with how militia prisoners were usually treated. There is no evidence that O'Fallon, a regular army officer and Harrison's aide was at the Battle of Frenchtown or that he was ever taken prisoner. Elias Darnell, a private in the 5th Regiment, Kentucky militia, also wrote an account of his experiences, and would be a much better choice as he was paroled a month after the battle.

Revisions are in progress. Griffin's Sword (talk) 20:15, 4 January 2026 (UTC)[reply]

Revisions have been completed. Citations have been updated. A few "blunders" have been corrected notably Atherton's age. Atherton's gravestone indicates that he was born on January 10, 1783, the year after Kentucky became a state, not the year before as originally stated in the article. This means that he was 19 when he joined the 1st Rifle Regiment in August 1812 and had just turned 20 when he was wounded and taken captive. Not included in the revisions is circumstantial evidence from primary sources that he was a shoemaker and that he had a younger brother named Henry who married Mary Lyon's sister Elizabeth. Griffin's Sword (talk) 16:47, 14 January 2026 (UTC)[reply]