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

Chatahoochiel 9th January iSl4.S
Major General Pinckney,
SIR,
have the honor to acquaint your Excel
lency that, this morning at 90 minutes past
o'clock, very large body of hostile In
dams, made desperate attack upon the
army under my command-They stole
upon the centinels, fired on them, and with
great impetuosity rushed upon our line; in
twenty minutes the action became general,
and our front, right and left tanks, were
closely pressed; but the brave and gallant
conduct of the field and line officers, and
the tirmness of the men, repealed them at
every point
The steady firmness, and incessant FIRE
Of Capt. Thomass artillery, and capt
Adams rifiemen, preserved our front lines :;
both OF these companies suffered greatly.
The enemy rushed within thirty yards Of
the artillery, and captain Broadnax, who
commanded one of the picquet guards main
tanned his post with great bravery, until
the enemy gained his rear, and then cut
his way through them to the army-on this
occacion Tfmpooehe Barnard, a halt breed,
at the head of the Uchies, distinguished
himself, and contributed to the retreat of
the picquet guard; tho other friendly In
diana took refuge within our lines, and re-
manned inactive with the exception of few
who Joined our ranks-as soon as it became
light enough to distinguish objects, order
ed Majors Watson's and Freemans Bat
taiions to wheel up at right angles with
major Booths and Clevelands battalion's
lwho formed the right wingl to prepare for
the charge. Capt Duke Hamilton's CavaI
ry lwho had reached me but the day be-
forel 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 fed in
every direction before the bayonet-The
signal was given for the charge of the
Cavalry, who pursued and sabred Is of the
enemy, who left thirty seven dead on the
held; from the effusion of blood, and the
number ofhead dresses and war.clubs found
In various directions, their loss must have
been considerable, Independent of their
wounded
| directed the friendly Indians, with Mr
Merriwether's and Ford's rifle companies,
accompanied by capt Hamilton's troops.
to pursue them through Cnulebee swamp
where they were trailed by their blood, but
succeeded in overtaking but one Of their
wounded.
Col. Newman received three balls in the
commencement of the action, which de-
prived me of the services of that gallant
and useful officer The asst Adj. general
Hardin was indefatigable in the discharge
of his duty, and rendered important SER
vices; his horse was wounded under him.
The whole ofthe staff was prompt, and dis
charged their duty with courage and tideli.
ty.-Their vigilance, the intrepidity of the
officers, and the firmness of the men, meet
my appreciation, and deserve the praise of
their country
have to regret the death of many of my
brave fellows, who have found honorable
graves, in the voluntary support Of their
country.
My Aid-de- Camp. in executing my orders,
| had his horse killed under him Gen. Lee
and major Pace, who acted as additional
aids, rendered me essential services, with
honor to themselves. and usefulness to the
cause In which they have embarked. -Four
Wagon, and several other horses, were
killed, and two of the artillery horses
! wounded. While I.deplore the losses sus-
tanned ON this occasion, have the consola-
| ton to know, that the men which have