Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-11-30

stated the weary SITUATION OF our horses, and
the want of provisions, (Which to me seemed
only partial, six days having only passed since
every part OF he army, was believed, was
furnished with ten days in bacon, beef or bread
stuif) the reasons given for returning. re-
quested the commandments of each regiment to
convene the whole OF the officers belonging to
1T, and TO take fully the sense OF the army on
this measure; report to the Commandments of
Brigades, who were requested 10 report u me
IN writing; adding that II 500 volunteers would
turn out, would put myself at their head, and
proceed in quest of the towns and the bal
ance o. the army might retreat under the con.
duct of their officers in safety to For, Harri-
SON. ~ less than am hour the report was made
almost unanimously TO return then reques-
ted that might dictate the course TO be pur-
sued that day only, which l pledged myself
should not put them more than six miles out
OF the way my object being 10 cover the re-
connoitecing parties, wished to send out for
the discovery of the Indian towns About this
time the troops being paraded, put myself
IN front, took my course and directed them to
follow me; the columns moving of quite con-
trary way, sent explain Taylor and maj Lee
to apply to the officers leading the columns, to
turn them They We're told il was not in their
power. The army had taken their course and
would pursue it-Discovering great confusion
| and disorder in the march, threw myself in
the rear, fearing an attack on those who were
there from necessity, and continued in that pc
| siton the whole day. The cxh listed state OF
the horses, nor the hunger Of the men, retar-
ded. this days march SO swiftly was it prose-
cuted that 1T was long before the rear arrived
at the encampments The Generals Ray, Ram
| sey and Allen, lent all their aid and authority
IN restoring Our march to order, and go far sue
ceeded, on the whole with much less loss than
l had feared indeed have no reason to think
| we were either followed o. mcnaced by an enc
| my. think we marched so or 90 miles in
the heart OF the enemy's country: hal he pos
sessed any design &c fight Us, opportunities in
abundance presented. So formidable was our
| appearance in the prairie, and in the country
Las am told ]nevcr trod before by hostile feet,
must impress the bordering tribes with sense
| OF their danger. If it operates benefcialv in
this way our labor will not be altogether in
| vain.
| hope the expense attending this expedition
| Will be found less :han usual on such occasions
nave consulted economy m every instance
subject only to real necessity has been the eX
penditure; the forage has been the heaviest az
| ticle.
! 10 the officers commanding brigades, many
OF the field officers, captains, &c my thank.
| are due; many of the old Kentucky veterans
whose heads are frosted by time, are entitled
to every confidence and praise their country
| can bestow. To the Adiutant, Quarter Mas
ter General, and the members of my own ia
Tnily, feel indebted for ready, able and man
| ~ support, IN ev,-ry instance. Let me here. IN
clude our friend Major George Walker on
Judge Advocate General who lived with me
took more than common share of fatigue an,
toll, and who did all in his power to furthe
the service in the corps of spies and guides
under the command of Major Dubois, and tive
companies of Kennedy and Gwatkin who en-
cAmpcd near me, and were under my imme
date orders, experienced an aertneSs and at
tention highly honorable to them These corps
were ready to have gone on to execute any ser
| vice the whole amounted to about 100, anl
deserve honorable mention.
Mr.. Barron and Messrs. Lacelly and l.,
Plant, interpreters and guides deserve well o
me; am certain we were not twenty mile
from tho Indian Villages when we were forceC
to retire, and have many reasons to prove ",
were in the right way.
have myself Csuperadded to the uortifca
ton felt at thus returning1 been in bad stat
OF health from first to last and am now s,
weak as not to be able to keep myself on IN
horse.
a violent Diar hea has pursued me 10 day
past, and reduced me extremely low. ha,
resolved TO continue with the line of march il
litter, if unable to ride There are vet ma
ny things of which | wished TO write they re
late substantially to prospective operation:
Soon again shall have the honor to address
your EXcellency, in the mean time he assured
OF the perfect consideration and high regagt
of your obedient friend and servant,
SAMUEL HOPKINS.
Gov. SHELBY.