sailing master, performed his part in the style of a brave and accomplished seaman. Messrs. Miller and Dodd, second and third lieutenants, were not so immediately under my eye; but the precision and promptitude with which all my orders were executed, is sufficient proof that they are to be relied on. Mr. Thomas, boatswain, and Mr. Caswell, master's mate, were particularly active, and deserve encouragement. The name of one of my poor fellows, who was killed, ought to be registered on the book of fame, and remembered with reverence as long as bravery is considered a virtue. He was a black man, named John Johnson. A 24 pound shot struck him in the hip, and took away all the lower part of his body. In this state the poor brave fellow lay on deck, and several times exclaimed to his shipmates, "Fire away my boys!-No haul a color down.” The other was also a black man by the name of John Davis, and was struck in much the same way. He fell near me, and several times requested to be thrown overboard, saying, "He was only in the way of others." Whilst America has such tars, she has little to fear from the tyrants of Europe. From the circumstance of her shot being 24 pounders, (which I assure you is the case, as we have felt and weighed them) I am of opinion it was the Laurel, a new frigate which I had information of. A gentleman whom I took, told me she was in the fleet; that she was built and manned on purpose to cope with our frigates; and that if she got sight of me, she would certainly take me, as she was the fastest sailer he ever saw. Enclosed you have a list of the killed and wounded. In every thing else we are in good order and high spirits. Yours respectfully, NATHANIEL SHALER Killed 2. Wounded 6; one of whom since dead. SIR, PORT CLAIBORNE, EAST BANK OF ALABAMA, On the 15th ultimo, I marched a detachment from this post with the view of destroying the towns of the inimical Creek Indians, on the Alabama, above the mouth of the Cahaba. After having marched about 80 miles, from the best information I could obtain, I was within thirty miles of a town, newly erected on ground called Holy, occupied by a large body of the enemy, under the command of Weatherford, the half breed chief, who was one of those who commanded the Indians that destroyed the garrison at Mims, in August last, and who has committed many depredations on the frontier inhabitants. I immediately caused a stockade to be erected for the security of the heavy baggage and sick. On the morning of the 22d the troops resumed their line of march chiefly through woods, without a track to guide them. When near the town, on the morning of the 23d, my disposition for attack was made. The troops advanced in three columns. With the centre column I advanced myself, ordering Lester's guards and Wells's troop of dragoons to act as a corps of reserve. About noon the right column, composed of twelve months' volunteers, commanded by colonel Joseph Carson, came in view of the town called Eccanachaca (or Holy Ground), and was immediately vigorously attacked by the enemy, who were apprized of our approach, and had chosen their field of action. Before the centre, commanded by lieutenant colonel Russell, with a part of the 3d regiment of United States' infantry and mounted militia riflemen, or the left column, which was composed of militia and a party of Choctaws, under Pushamuttaha, commanded by major Smoot, of militia, who were ordered to charge, could come generally into action, the enemy were repulsed, and were flying in all directions, many of them casting away their arms. Thirty of the enemy were killed, and, judging from every appearance, many were wounded. The loss on our part was one corporal killed, and one ensign, two sergeants, one corporal and two privates wounded. A pursuit was immediately ordered; but from the nature of the country, nothing was effected. The town was nearly surrounded by swamps and deep ravines, which rendered our approach difficult, and facilitated the escape of the enemy. In the town we found a large quantity of provision and immense property of various kinds, which the enemy, flying precipitately, were obliged to leave behind, and which, together with two hundred houses, were destroyed. They had barely time to remove their women and children across the Alabama, which runs near where the town stood. The next day was occupied in destroying a town, consisting of sixty houses, eight miles higher up the river, and in taking and destroying the enemy's boats. At the town last destroyed was killed three Indians of some distinction. The town first destroyed was built since the commencement of hostilities, and was established as a place of security for the inhabitants of several villages. The leader Weatherford, Francis, and the Choctaw Sinquistur's son, who were principal prophets, resided here. Three Shawanese were among the slain. Colonel Carson, of the volunteers, lieutenant colonel Russell, of the 3d regiment United States infantry, and major Smoot, of the militia, greatly distinguished themselves. The activity and zeal of the assistant deputy quarter master general, captain Wert, and my brigade major, Kennedy, merit the approbation of government. I was much indebted to my aid-de-camp, lieutenant Calvit, of volunteers, to lieutenant Robeson, of the 5d regiment, and major Caller, of militia, who acted as my aids on that day, for the promptness and ability with which they performed their several duties. The officers of the different corps behaved handsomely, and are entitled to distinction. Courage animated every countenance, and each vied with the other in rendering service. I have taken the liberty of communicating to you directly, in consequence of the distant station of the general commanding the district, and also for the purpose of forwarding to you the enclosed original document which was found in the house of Weatherford. It shows particularly the conduct of the Spaniards towards the American government. The third regiment has returned to this place, and volunteers are on the march to mount Vernon, near fort Stoddert, for the purpose of being paid off and discharged, their terms of service having generally expired. Honourable John Armstrong. I have the honour to be, &c. SIR, CAMP DEFIANCE, 48 MILES WEST OF CHATAHOUCHEE, I have the honour to acquaint your excellency, that this morning at twenty minutes past five o'clock, a very large body of hostile Indians, made a desperate attack on the army under my command. They stole upon the sentinels, fired upon them, and with great impetuosity rushed upon our lines; in twenty minutes the action became general, and our front, right and left flanks were closely pressed; but the brave and gallant conduct of the field and line officers, and the firmness of the men, repelled them at every point. The steady firmness and incessant fire of captain Thomas's artillery, and captain Adams's riflemen, preserved our front line: both of these companies suffered greatly. The enemy rushed within fifty yards of the artillery, and captain Broadnax, who commanded one of the picket guards, maintained his post with great bravery until the enemy gained his rear, and then cut his way through them to the army. On this occasion Timpoochie Barnuel, a half-breed, at the head of the Uchies, distinguished himself and contributed to the retreat of the picket guard; the other friendly Indians took refuge within our lines and remained inactive, with the exception of a few who joined our ranks. So soon as it became light enough to distinguish objects, I ordered majors Watson's and Freeman's battalions to wheel up at right angles with majors Booth's and Cleveland's battalions, (who form ed right wing,) to prepare for the charge. Captain Duke Hamil ton's cavalry (who had reached me but the day before,) was ordered to form in the rear of the right wing to act as circumstances should dictate: the order for the charge was promptly obeyed, and the enemy fled in every direction before the bayonet. The signal was given for the charge of the cavalry who pursued, and sabred fifteen of the enemy who left thirty-seven dead on the field: from the effusion of blood and the number of head-dresses and war-dubs found in various directions, their loss must have been considerable, independent of the wounded. I directed the friendly Indians, with Meriwether's and Ford's rifle companies, accompanied by captain Hamilton's troop, to pursue them through Calibee Swamp, where they were trailed by their blood, but succeeded in overtaking but one of their wounded. Colonel Newman received three balls in the commencement of the action, which deprived me of the services of that gallant and useful officer. The assistant adjutant general Narden, was indefatigable in the discharge of his duty, and rendered important services his horse was wounded under him. The whole of the staff was prompt, and discharged their duty with courage and fidelity; their vigilance, the intrepidity of the officers, and the firmness of the men, meet my approbation, and deserve the praise of their country. I have to regret the death of many of my brave fellows, who have found honourable graves in the voluntary support of their country. My aid-de-camp, in executing my orders, had his horse killed under him. General Lee and major Pace, who acted as additional aids, rendered me essential service with honour to themselves and usefulness to the cause in which they are embarked. Four wagon and several other horses were killed, and two of the artillery horses wounded. While I deplore the loss sustained on this occasion, I have the consolation to know that the men which I have the honour to command have done their duty. I herewith transmit you a list of the killed and wound. I have the honour to be, &c. Major general Pinckney. JOHN FLOYD, Brigadier General. January 28th, 1814. SIR, The patriotism that brought you into the field at your advanced age, which prompted you on with me to face the enemy in the late excursion to the Talapoosie river, the example of order, and your admonition to strict subordination throughout the lines, and, lastly, the bravery you displayed in the battle of Enotochopco, by re-crossing the creek, entering the pursuit, exposing your person, and thereby saving the life of lieutenant Moss, and killing the Indian, entitle you to the thanks of your general and the approbation of your country. Not having it in my power to move forward until the troops from East and West Tennessee arrive, (I mean the 1500 ordered for six months' service, under the requisition of the Secretary of War, and the late order of general Pinckney, with colonel Williams's regiment, and such other auxiliary troops, as may be permitted by the orders of the governor of the state) I have to request that you will forthwith repair to East Tennessee, and use your best exertions in hurrying those troops to this point at the earliest possible day. The character of the state, by the retrograde of the troops, and the failure of having in the field such troops as were required by the Secretary of War, had like to have been tarnished. The public service has been much retarded thereby and much injured, and the public expense much enhanced. It is alone from the exertions of men of influence, that those evils can be cured, the public service promoted, and the objects of the campaign brought to a speedy and successful issue, whereby the high standing of the patriotism of the state of Tennessee may be regained, which had like to have been buried by the conduct of miscreants whose sole object is popular views and self aggrandizement. You have been with me-you have been a faithful observer of the passing scenes, and do know that these would be patriots, these town meeting boasters, these men who will not act themselves, but find fault with every thing, have been destroying the true interests of their country, the cause we are engaged in, and every thing valuable to freemen to insure the cause of our country, when it came in contact with their own individual views, and their own private aggrandizement. The eyes of the faithful and experienced patriot, one whose country's good it has in common with his fellow-citizens, has seen and felt these growing evils. You are one amongst this number, in whose exertions I have confidence, and in whose patriotism I rely, and who has experience, and sees things as they really exist, and will, with the true patriotism of an American, aid the present campaign to a speedy and successful issue. I therefore repeat, that I wish you to repair to East Tennessee and use your utmost in sending on the troops and sufficient supplies of provisions with them, with which that country abundantly abounds, and which have from some unknown and strange cause been withholden from me. Your experience and patriotism are a sure pledge to me that your best exertions will be used to promote the present campaign. Receive, sir, my best wishes, and believe me to be respectfully, Your most obedient servant, Colonel William Cocke. ANDREW JACKSON, Maj. Gen. Comdg. SIR, HEAD QUARTERS FORT STROTHER, January 29th, 1814. I had the honour of informing you in a letter of the 31st ult. forwarded by Mr. M'Candless (express) of an excursion I contemplated making still further in the enemy's country with the new raised |