The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-11-04

any thing that | had seen or heard OF, but
was fully convinced that IL would succeed.
The American backwoodsmen ride better In
the woods than any other people. a Irusket
or rifle is no impedimenl 10 them, being ac-
customed to carry them on horseback from
their earliest youth. was persuaded too
that tho enemy would be quite unprepared
for the shock, and that they could not resi:,
it. Comfortably to this idea, directed the
regiment TO be drawn up in close column,
with its right at the distance of fifty yards
from the road, (that il might be 10 some mes-
Yare protrectcd by the trees from the srtile-
ry) its lef. upon the swamp, and To charge 81
full speed as soon as the enemy delivered
their 6re.-The few regular troops Of the
9th regiment under their Colonel (Paul)
occnpied, in column of sections of iour, the
small space between the road and the river,
for the purpose of seizing the enemy's srtil-
lery, and some ten or twelve friendly Indians
were directed 10 move under the bank he
crofchef formed by the front line and Geo.
Desha's division was an important point. At
that place, the venerable Governor OF Ken
tucky wat posted, who at the age OF sixty
six preserves all the vigor of youth, the ar.
dent zeal which distinguished him in the re-
volnlionary war, and the undaunted bravery
which he manifested a. Kings Mountain.
With my aids-de-camp, the acting assistant
Adjutapt General Captain Butler, my friend
Commodore Perry. who did ms The honor 10
serve as my volunteer aid-ce-camP, and Brig
adler General Cass, Who having no COIN
mand, rendered me his assistance, i placed
myself at the head OF the front line Of iDfsn
try, to direct the movements OF the Gavatry,
and give them the necessary support. The
army had moved on in this order but short
distance, when the mounted men received
the fire of the British line, and were ordered
to charge the horses IN the front of the col
umn re cooled from the fire another was Civ
en- by the enemy, and our colnmn, at leogth
getting in motion, broke through the enemy
with irresistible force. In one minute, the
contest in front was over the British officers,
seeing no hopes of reducing their disordered
ranks to order, and our mounted men Wheel
ing upon them and pouring in destructive
fire, Immediately surrendered. Ii is certain
that three only of our troops were wounded
in this charge.
Upsn the left, however, the contest was
more severe with the Indians Col. John
son, who commanded on that flank OF his re-
giment, received most calling fire from
them which was returned with great effect
Tho Indians still further to the right, advanc-
ed and fell in with our front line Of infantry,
near its junction with Desha's division, and
for moment made an impression upon il.
Ills Exccllcucy Governor Shelby, however,,
Brought up u regiment to it. support, and the
enemy receiving severe Ere in foot, and a
part of Johnson's regiment having gained
their rear, retrcated with precipitation.
Their loss was very considerable in the ac-
,ion, and many were killed in their retreat.
can give no satisfactory Information Of
the number of Indians that were in the ac-
ton, but they must have been considerably
upwards Of one thousand From the docu-
mems in my possession, (Gen. Proctor's Of
fetal letters, all of which were takcn) and
from the information Of respectable inhabi-
tants Of this territory, the Indians kept in pay
5y the British, were much mote numerous
than has been generally supposed. In let
ter to Gen. De Rottenburg, of the 27th inst.
Gen Proctor speaks OF having prevailed upon
most of the Indians TO accompany him. Of
these it is certain that fifty OF sixty Wyandot
warriors abandoned him.
The number of our troops were certain
ly greater than that Of the enemy, but when
il is rcco!lected, that they had chosen a posi-.
tion tina, effec,ually secured their hark, which
it was impossible for us to turn, and that we
could not present to them line more extend.
cd than their own, il will not be considered
arrogant to claim for my troops the palm OF
superior bravery.
In communicating to the Presiden. thro'
you, sir, my opinion OF the condoct OF the of
ficcrs who served under my command, am
at loss how to mention that Of Gov. Shelby,
being convinced that no eulogium Of mine
can reach his merits. The Governor Of an
independent State, greatly my superior in
years, in experience anu 10 military charac-
ter, he placed himself under my command,
and was not more remarkable for bis zeal and
activity, than fer tho promP,itudc and cheer
fulness with which he obeyed my orders.
The Major-Gsnesals Henry and Desha,
King, Chiles, and Trotter, all of the Ken