The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-03-30

Gen. Gaines, raised whoop which WAS
immediately followed by one from the hos
tile indians. The men Immediately form
ed and fired n platoon. The ludlans fled
aud were closely pursued. A runner then
came from Gen. Gaines ordering them 10
stop, ana informed them that Oseola was
treating with them. At frs. those in pur-
suit could not be restrained; but the cry of
50 Treaty." " Treaty." soon checked them.
Gen. Clinch then formed aad proceeded to
camp.
The following extract of a letter written
after their arrival, contains some interesting
particulars -
HEAD QUARTERS, CAMP lzARD, Flo.
On the Wnhlacooche, March :,
at night.
ave arrived nj this post on the evening
of the 9th, and found General Gaines's ar
my in state of starvation, eating horses,
dogs, &c. less than gill of corn was is
sued for days ra,ions. We brouch, but a
small quantity of provisions with us, aud
believe there are but few men in camp who
are not hungry at this time. We found
plenty fresh Indian signs two miles above
this on the river, and some of us wanted to
pursue ii, bu, the General directed other
wise. They have had General Gaines
completely surrounded for several days pre-
yious to our arrival; they had fought him
all the day before without much execution
on either side.
Hearing the attack of Gen. Chnch, the
Fl, Ia 4 lca pt, nd
him to retire into the hammock, while they
went TO the camp.
On reaching the camp Gen. Clinch found
its inmates in great distress. They were
literally in state of starvation. They had
killed & eaten several horses and dogs. One
soldier having stolen dog and killed it,,
sold one of the quarters for five dollars.
For this act of stealing, killing, or selling,
or all together, he received severe tlogging.
One man gave six dollars for a piece of
horses entrals about foot long. Five
dollars were given for biscuit, and the
same for quart of corn. We iorbear To
mention many otl.er acts, showing what
hunger will compel one to do, which are
related Of these patriotic men, thus sur
rounded and suffering i'll savage wilder
ness. Yet there was perfect subordination,
and every man was prompt in the discharge
of his duty. THE AIachua volunteers chcef-
fully distributed their biscuits and corn, re-
serving none for themselves. 1t was aficc-
ting TO witness the greednese aud thank
fulncss with which they received a whole OF
half biscuit from their deliyerers.
The evening of the day on which their
interview was interrupted by the arrival Of
General Clinch, Oseola sent word to Gen
Gaines, that if he would send away ,h,
horsemcn (Achua militia.) they would come
and surrender their arms. We know moi
whether from suspicion or otherwise, th
horsemcn were not sent away. After wait
ing three days to hear more of Oscoln, an,
not having provisions TO remain longer, Sen
Gaines returned TO Fort Dranc, at whicl
place Oscola was TO meet him, Monday q
Tuesday last. After reaching this fort, h
transferred the command to General Cline
and left for Ncw-Orleans by the way {
Tallahassee. During some Of the engage
mcnrs, he received wound the ball, pass
ing through his lip, knocked out two of hi
teeth, but its force being nearly spent, it di
him no farther injury.
This movement of Oseola in rcqucstin
an interview, when Gen. Games had bee
entirely surrounded by his followers 70
several DAYS, is ine1piicahIc, and seems {
have taken all by surprise. Whether
was an arifice devised on hearing of ib
approach of reinforcement, TO give tim
Ito make safe retreat; or n stratagem b
which, after introducing five hundred In
. dams within the brcastwork under the pre-
tence of surrendcring their arms, he mten
ded TO make an attack with his main force
and, taking advantage Of the confusion, t
a massacre the whole before General Cline
- could render them any assistance; or, Il
" he sayes he is really tired of murderln
white men. General Clnch's arrival soont
II than it was anticipated prevents us froi
determining, and time alone can now dt
eide.
Though Oseola has courage and cunnin
d to plan and execute almost any blood
D, movement, we sincerely hope he has see
d the hopelessness and folly of farther resls
y tance, and iha, the Indians will now surren
&c der their arms, and prepare to abide by tb
i stpulatons Of the treaty for their remoya
u Should this be the case, gen. Gaines wi
&c receive nations thanks and valiant gen
erals fame.
e To the manner in which he has cohduc
re ted his part of the campaign, much cred
10 is due. His alacrty in bringing to tn
l. theatre of action so large force, his marc
le from Tampa Bay and the burial of the un
is fortunate major Dadc and his companions
rs entite him TO the gratitude Of the citizen
2, of Florida. at whose cry Of distress he g