The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1814-03-03


friend,v Creeks, with 100 of his warriors, To-
execute my irst order so soon as he reach
ed Gen. Coffee the charge was made and the
enemy routed--they were pursued about 5
miles and foriy-fve OF them slain, who were
found. Gen. COFFEE was wounded in the body,
and his Aid do Camp A. Donaldson killed,to-
getbcr with three others. Having brought
in and buried the dead and dressed the woen-
ded, ordered my camp to be fortified, to be
the better prepared 10 repel any attack which
might be made in the ight-determining to
commence return march TO Fort S.rother
the following day.
Many csuses concurred to make such a
measure necessary; as had not set out prepar-
ed or with view TO make permanent estab-
lishment, considered il worse than useless
to advance end destroy an empty encampment.
bad indeed hoped 10 have met the enemy
there, bat having met and beaten them lit
tie sooner, did not think it necessary or pru-
dent TO proceed any further Not unnecessary,
because l had accomplished all ! could ex-
pect to effect by marching to their encamp-
ment and because if it was proper to con-
tend with and weaken their forces still farther,
this object would be more essentially effected
BY commencing a return, which having 10
spirit them 10 pursue me-. Not prudent, be-
cause Of the number of my wounded of the
reinforcemcnts from below, which the enemy
might be expected TO receiyc--of ths starv-
ing condition Of my horses, they having had
neither corn nor cane Tor two days and
nights--of the scarcity OF supplies tor my
men, the Indians who Joined me at Tal!ode-
ga having drawn none, and being wholly dcs-
,itu,e--and because, if the enemy pursued
me, as it was likely they would, the diversion
in favor of Gen. Floyd would be the mcre
complete and etfectual
Influenced by these considerations, l COM
menced my return march at bali alter ten on
the 23d, anI was fortunate enough 10 reach
Enotachopco before night,haying passed with
ont interruption dangerous deh!e, OCCASION.
cd by hurricane. again fortified my camp.
and having another defle to pass in the morn
ing, across deep creek, and between TWO
hills, which had viewed with attention, as
passed on, and where expected might be
attacked, determined TO pass It at another
point, and gave directions TO my guide and
fatigue men accordingly. My expectation OF
an attack in the morning was increased by tbs
signs of the night, and with IL my caution.
Before moved the wounded from the inIeri-
or of my camp, had my front and rear
guard, formed, as we'll as my right aud LETT
columns, and moved off my centre in regular
order, leading down handsome ridge To L.
Dotachopco creek, a,a poin, whsre /, was clear
of reed, except Immediately on its margin.
had previously issued general order, point
ing out the manner in wa,ch the men should
be formed In the event of an attack on the
front or rear, or on the Hanks, and had par
ticularly cauuoned the officers to halt and
form accordiogy,t The instant the signal should
be givon.
The front guard had crossed, with part of
the flank columns, the wounded were over,
and the artillery in the act OF entering the
creek, when an alarm gun was heard IN the
rear. heard it without surprizc, and even
with pleasure, calculating on the tirmness OF
my I, oops, from the manner in which had
seen them engaged on the 22d had plac-
ed Col. Carroll at the head OF the centre col
umn of the rear guard its right column WAS
commanded by Col. Perkins and Its Lett by
Col! Stump, Having chosen the ground,
expected there to have entirely cot of the
cnemy,by Wheeling the right and lett columns
on their pivot, recrossing the creek above
and below and falling IN upon their fanks
and rear. But TO my astonishnent and NOR
tifca,ion, vhcn the word was given by Col.
Carroll, to halt and form and few guns had
fired, beheld the right and left columns of
the rear guard prccipitatcly give way. This
shameful retreat. was disastrous in the cx.
tremc 1t drew along with it the greater part
of the centre column, leaving not more than
twenty five men, who being formed by COL
Carroll, maintained their ground as long as i,
was possible 20 maintain At, and 1t brought
conservation and confusion into the centre of
the army, CONSERVATION which was not easi-
~ removed, and confusion wnibh could not
soon be restored to order
There was then left to repulse the enemy,
the few who remained of the rear guard, the
artillery company, and Capt. Bussells com
pany Of spies. They however realized 0ad
exceeded my highest expectations. Liect.
Armstrong, who commanded the artillery
company In the absence of Capt Deaarick,