The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-01-08

troop Of dragons. His conduct in tina, ca
pac:iy justified their choice never was there
an officer possessed of more ardor and zeal
to discharge has duties with proprie'y, and
never one who would have encountered great
er danger TO purchase military fame. Capt
Baen, of the 4th United States regiment,
was killed early in the action he WAS un-
quesionably good oliicer and valiant soldier.
Captains Spencer and Warwick, and Lieu
tenants Mc'Alahan and Berry, were all my
particular friends | have ever had the Ut
most confidence in their yalour, and l was
not deceived. Spencer WAS wounded in The
heaG--he exhorted his men TO fight valiantly
--he was shot through both thighs, aud iel,
sull continuing TO encourage them-he WAS
raise! up, and received ball through his
body, which put an end 10 his exiseace
Warwick was Shot Immediately through the
body being taken 10 the surgery 10 be dress
ed, as soon as it was over (being man OF
great bodily viSour aud sill able TO waik) he
insisted upon going back 10 head his compa-
ny, although il was evident tha; he had but
few hours to live.
All these gentlemen, sir, (capt. Baen ex4
cepted) have left wives, and five of them
large families OF children this is the case
TOO with many of the priva,es among The mil
iiia VINO fell in the action or who have died
ance of their wounds. VIII the bounty OF
their country a withheld from their helpless
orphans, many of whom will be in the most
destit ute condition, and perhaps want even
the necessaries Of life With respect the
number ot Indians that were engaged against
Us, am possessed OF no data by which can
form correct statement. Ii must, however,
have been consider able, and pei haps not
much interiour to our own which, deduct
log the dragoons, who were unable To do Us
much service, WIS very little above seven
hundred, non commissioned officers and pri-
Yates. | am convinced there were at least
six hundred. The Prophet had three weeks
before $50 of his own proper followers. l
am induced TO believe that he was joined by
number OF the lawless vaga6onds who live on
the Illinois river, as large traits were seen
coming fron that direction. Indeed shall
not be surprised to find, that some of-those
VINO protested the warmest friendship for Us
were arrayed against us--'tis ccrtc,n that one
OF this description came out from the town
and spoke 10 me the night before the action.
The Potowa,imic chief, whom l mentioned
to have been wounded and taken prisoner IN
my letter of the 9Th inst. left on the battle
ground, alter having taken all the care ot him
In my power. l requested bin to inform
those OF bis own tribe who bad joined the
Prophet and h,ckapoos and Winebagoes, that
IT they would Immediately abandon the Proph-
et and return TO their own tribes, their past
conduc, would be forgiven, and that We would
treat them VIC formerly had done. lie
assured me that he would do SO, and that
there was no doubt of their compliance. In
deed ne said that he was certain that they
would put the Prophet 10 death. TANK up
on tie whole that there Will be no further
hostiiities bat OF this snail Ee enabled to
give you some more certain information ia
few days.
the troops left the battle ground on the
9th lost. 1t took every Wagon to transport
the wounded'-We managed, however, 10
bring of the prbiick properly, although al
most ai the private baggage cf the officers
Was necessarily destroyed.
1t may perhaps bc imagined, sir, tbs. some
means might have been adotped to have made
a more early discovery of the approach of the
enemy to our camp, the morning. Of the IN
inst. but if had employed TWO thirds of The
army as outrosts II would have been inenec-
tuai the Indians IN such nigbt would have
found means to have passed between thea---
placed III the situation that we were, there IS
no Otner moGe ot avoiding surprise, than
by chajn of ccnllneis so close together that
the enemy cannot pass between without dis
covcry, and having the army in such readi-
ness that they can get TO their alarm posts
at moments warning. Our troops could
not hdve been be.ler prepared than they
were, unless they had been kept under arms
the whole night, as they lay with their ac-
eoutremen,s on, and their arms 10y their
sides, and the moment they were up they
were at their posts. Ii the cen,ine!s and the
guard had done their duty, even the troops
ON the left flank would have been prep red TO
receive the Indians.
have the honour to enclose you correct
return Ut our killed and wounded. The
wounded suffered very mach before their