Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-06-05

opposite bank Of the creek. A company under
the command Of Captain Adams, OF Iazeweii
county, who were in the rear. endeaVored 70
make stand against them, and fought with des'
peration.
Abou, half Of the missing are thought to have
belonged to this company. The battle was iougnt
BY moonlight, in an open prairie, and the pursuit
was kept up for ten or twelve miles. The sur'i-
vurs began to arrive at lxon's Ferry about one
O'Clock in the morning. and, after sufficient
time had elapsed, the next day, for them all to
have come 10, the roll was called, and hfty-two
were found to be missing. A few Of those who
escaped were wounded, and many had their hats
and clothes perforated with bullet holes. Some
of the savases were killed; but the number could
not he ascertained.
Various estimates are given of the strength Of
the Indians; the number is probably between
twelve and fifteen hundred warriors BY this
victory they obtained possession OF the horses of
the SLAIN, and of the camp equ,page, blankets,
ammunition, and provisions Of the routed militia;
and are, moreover, encouraged to further hOstill-
ties bv the prupitious omen Of first victory.
On Tuesday last, the militia at Dixon's Ferry,
amounting to 1900 men, were paraded to bury
their deceased comrades. When our informant
left them, an immediate pursuit and attack OF the
Indians was anticipated. but we hope wiser coun-
sells may have prevailed, as defeat would be al.
most certain to follow such course.
The militia are eyasperated beyond all bounds
at the death of their countrymen, and cruel
and DISCRIMINATING war must be the consequence
On the other hand, the Indians have the advan-
tage of perfect knowledge Of the country; are
Injured to fatigue and pfivations Of every kind,
aud can at any time seek refuge in the swamps
which abound IN that quarter
Fears were entertained at head quarters for
the safety of two or three small parties OF men,
successlyely sent with dispatches to General
Atkinson. Nothing had been heard from any OF
Them nor, indeed, was it known in what sltua-
ton Gen. A. was, when our informant left.
Prior to the engagement, the regular army and
the militia had formed junction at Rock Island,
and General Atkins on was invested with the en-
tire command. The militia, under Gen. White.
sides. being mostly mounted men, proceeded to
Dxon's Ferry by land Gen. Atkinson, with
500 regulars and 500 militia, assembled to the ra-
pds of Rock River in boats; information recelv-
ed here from him, states, that he had effected
passage over the rapids. He must, at that time,
have been about so miles from Dixon's Ferry.
1t is said that orders have been transmitted
from the W ar of Department to the commanding
officer of the expedition, to prosecute the war
in the most energetic manner, and no lon
ger to.lsten to the talks of the Indians, as has
been too often done already.
The per,lous state Of our fellow citizens OF H.
linus, and the prospect OF a continuance OF the
war tor some months, suggests the proprlety OF
assistance from this state. Having no organic.
ed militia, al least in this quarter, the only means
left is the for matOn Of volunteer companies Arms
and ammunition, and means Of transportation
to the scene of actiun, will we have no doubt be
furnished by the Government officers.
BY timely aid, like calamity on our own Dor.
der ma be prevented for it easy to forsee that
these Indians are not effectually quelled, the
same hostile spirit will soon be infused into all the
border tribes
Later-We have counter and less disastrous
reports by short steamboat passage from Gale
ma. 1t was reported there. by persons who were
in the engagement, that Is or CT men only were
killed. In the other particulars the above details
are nearly correct. Business was entirely sus'
pended at Galcna, and the families in the sur
rounding country were moving in for protection.
As proof of the rapidity with which the Indians
traverse the country, it is stated that runner
from Black Hawk aud his allies, bearing to the
Missouri Indians news of the defeat OF the Mill
tia. arrived at the Des Moines Rapids twenty
four hours before the express sent by Governor
Reynolds.