The Madisonian., 1840-02-13

gun-boats and several batteaux loaded win
provisions and ammunition.
rapid al the river at Arnolds mills al
fords the only fording TO be met with Tor a
considerable distance but upon examination,
it was found too deep for the Infantry. Hav-
ing, however, fortunately taken two or three
boats and some Indian canoes on the spot,
and obliged the horsemen 10 take iootman
behind each, the whole were safely crossed
by l2 o'clock. Eight miles from the Cros-
sing we passed farm, where part OF the
BRUSH troops had enoamped the night before,
under the command of Col Warburton. The
detachment with Gen. Proctor had arrived
the day before at the Moravian towns, miles
higher up, Being now certainly near the
enemy directed the advance Of Johnson's
regiment to accelerate their march for the
purpose Of procuring intelligence. The Of
ficer commanding il, in short time, sent TO
inform me, that his progress was stopped by
the enemy, who were formed across our line
Of march. One of the enemys waggoners
being also taken prisoner, from the informa-
tion received from him, and my own observa-
lion, assisted by some Of my officers, soon as
certained enough of their position and order
of battle, 10 determine that, which it was pro-
per for me 10 adopt.
have the honor herewith TO enclose you
my general order, of the 9th ult prescribing
the order Of march and of battle when the
whole army should act together. But as the
number and description Of the troops had been
essentially changed, since the issuing Of the
order, 1t became necessary 10 make cores
ponding alteration in their disposition. From
the place where our army was last halted to
the Moravian towns, distance Of about three
and a half miles, the road passes through a
beach forest without any clearing. and for the
first two miles near to the bank Of the river.
At from two to three hundred yards from the
river a swamp extends parallel to it, through
out the whole distance. The inferno diate
ground is dry and although the trees are to-
lerably thick, it is in many places clear of
underbrush. Across this strip Of land, its left
appaycd upon the river, supported by artillery
placed in the wood, their right in the swamp
covered by the whole of their Indian force,
the British troops were drawn up.
The troops at my disposal consisted of
about l2O regulars Of the 9th regiment
five brigades of Kentucky volunteer militia
infantry, under his Excellency, Gov. Shelby,
averaging less than five hundred men, and
Col Johnson's regiment Of mounted infantry,
making in the whole an aggregate, something
about 5000. No disposition OF an army OPP
posed to an Indian force can be safe unless it
is secured on the .fanks and in the rear.
had therefore no difficulty in arranging the in
fantry conformably to my general order of bat
tie. Gen. Troiier's brigade Of 500 men,
formed the front lino his right upon the road
and his left upon the swamp. Gen. Kings
brigade as second line. l. SO yards in rear of
Froiters, and Chiles' brigade as corps of
reserve in the rear Of it. These three bri-
gades formed the command Of Major General
Henry the whole Of Gen Desha's division,
consisting Of two brigades, were formed en-
potence upon the left Of Troiter.
Whilst was engaged in forming the in
fantry, had directed Col. Johnsons regi-
ment, which was still in front, to be formed in
two lines opposite to the enemy, and upon the
advance of the infantry, to take ground TO the
left, and forming upon that flank to endeavor
to turn the right Of the Indians. A moments
reflection, however, convinced me that from
the thickness of the woods and swampness Of
the ground, they would bo unable to do any
thing on horseback, and there was no time to
rity. | therefore determined to refuse my left
to the Indians, and to break the British lines
at once by charge OF the mounted infantry
the measure was not sanctioned by any thing
had ever seen or heard Of, but | was fully
convinced that it would succeed. The Ame-
rican backwoodsmen ride better in the woods
than any other people. A muskct or rifle is
no impeachment to them, being accustomed to
them from their earliest youth. | was per-
suaded, too, that the enemy would be quite un-
prepared for the shock,a that they could not
resist it. Conformable to this idea, | directed
the regiment to be drawn up in close column,
with its right at the distance Of 40 yards from
the road, Chat it might be, in some measure.
protected by the trees from the artillery its
left upon the swamp, and to charge at full
speed as soon as the enemy had delivered
their fire. The few regular troops Of the 9th
regiment, under Col Paul, occupied in a CO.
lumn Of sections of four, the small space be-
tween the road and the river for the purpose
of seizing the enemy's artillery, and some ten
or twelve friendly Indians to move under the
bank. The crotchet formed by the front line,
and Gen. Desha's division, was an important
point. AT that place the venerable Governor
" heHhcHy was pUStcu, VINO, at the age OF
sixty-sx, preserves all the vigor Of youth, the
ardent zeal which distinguished him in the re-
voluionary war. and the undaunted bravery
which he manifested at Kings .Mountain.-
With my aids-dc-camp, the acting assistant
Adjutant General, Captain Butler, my gal
liant friend Com. Perry, who did me the honor
to serve as my volunteer aid.de-camp, and
Brigadicr General Cass, who having no com
mand, rendered me his assistance, | placed
myself at the head Of the front lue Of infantry,
TO direct the movements of the cavalry, and
give them the necessary support.
The army had moved on in this order but
short distance. 1vhnn The innnntnd men re-