Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1814-02-17

AnO hOhok W SOhhshahu, nave uOHo shSiA
duty.
lsignedl JOHN FLOYD, D. o.
Total killed, IL; total wounded lS2.
Signed
CHARLES WILLIAMSON,
Hospital Surgeon
N. b. One of the wounded since dead--5
of the friendly Indians killed Is wounded.
Copy Of letter from Brig. Gen. Clai
borne, Of Voiuntssrs, to the Secretary
Of War, dated
FoRr CLAIBORNE, East Bank of Alabama,
IS miles above Fort Stoddert, January
LIST, 1914.
SIR-On the 18th ult. marched a de-
tachment from this post with the view Of
destroying the towns of the inimacal Creek
Indians, on the Alabama, above tho mouth
OF the Cahaba. After having marched a.
bout eighty miles, from the best informa-
ton | could obtain, | was within thirty
miles OF a town newly erected on ground
called Holy, occupied by large body OF
the enemy, under the command of Wi
therford, the Half Breed Chief, who was
one OF those who commanded the Indians
that destroyed the garrison at Minis in
August last, and who has committed
many depredations on the frontier inhabi-
tants. Immediately caused 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 wood without track to
guide them. When near the town on the
morning of the esd, my disposition for at
tack was made. The troops advanced in
three columns. With the centre column
/ advanced myself, ordered Testers guards
aud Wells troops of dragons to act as
a corps of reserve. About noon the right
columu, composed of twelve months vo.
lunt6ers, commanded by Col. Joseph Car.
son, came in view of tho town called Ec-
canacbaca Tor Holy ground) and was i'm
mediately vigorously attacked by the enc
my, who were apprised of our approach,
and had chosen their field of action.
Before the centre, commanded by lit
Col. Russo eth part of the Sd regt Of
Unites Slateg To- atv and mounted mill
ia riasmen, o. sila lsfs column, which was
composed OF militia and party of Choc
Jaws under Pushamuttaha, commanded by
Major Smoot of militia, who wore order
ed to charge. could come generally into
action, the enemy were rcpulsed and were
flying in all directions, many of them cast
ing 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 Ser
geants, Corporal and Q privates wounded
A pursuit was Immediately ordered
but from the nature of our country, nothing
was effected. The town was nearly sur
rounded by swamps and deep ravines,
which rendered our approach difficult,
and facilitated the escape of the enemy.
In the town we found large quantity Of
provisions and immense property of va
rious kinds, which the enemy flying pre-
cipitately, 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 towns stood. The next day was oc-
c,ipied in destroying a town consisting of
sixty houses, eight miles higher up the ri
yer, and in taking and destroying the enc
my's boats AT the town destroyed, was
killed three Indians of some distiaction.--
The town first destroyed was built since the
commencement of hostilities, and was es-
tablished as place of security for the
inhabitants of several villages. The leader
Witherfcrd, Francis, and the Choctaw Sim
quistur's son, who were principal prophets,
resided here. Three Shawnese were a.
mong the slain.
Colonel Carson of the volunteers, 1t.
Col. Russell of the Sd regiment United
States Infantry, and Major Smoote of the
militia, greatly distinguished themselves.
The activity and zeal of the Assistant
Dep. Quarter Master General, Capt. Vert.
and of my Brigade Major Kennedy, merit
the appreciation of government. | was
much indebted to my Aid de-camp Lieut..
Calvit of volunteers, to Lieut. Caller of
militia, who acted as my aids on that day,
for the promptness and ability with which
they performed their several duties. The
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