Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-09-10
LAND OFFICE, ST.. SrErHES's, (ALA.)

NOVEMBER 5, 1852.
DEAR SIN: 1t may be proper to give you some infor-
nation regarding Col Richard Sparks from whom re-
ceved the statement transmitted to you your request
respecting the murder of the family of Logan the disn-
guished Indian chief by party of the under the
command of Col. CREsAP.
Lieut.. COL Richard Sparks, Of the army of the United
States the commanding officer Fort Stoddert on
the Tombgbee river in $780, then river of the Mssis-
sippi Territory This fort strong sockade having
mounted cannon stood q considerable bluff on
the west side of the river about miles above the line
Of demarcaon between the United States and the terri
tory Of Spain, established by Eicott
Connected with the regiment Of Col Sparks Lieut.
Edmund p Gaines, late the distinguished General T. p
Chimes Reuben Chamberlain, I'd lieutenant afterwards
distinguished at the defence of Fort Bowyer under Capt
Lawrence; Capt. James Wilkinson, of Gen. j. Will
knson and in-law Of the Hon. Harry Toulmin judge
&C.. Lieuts Ware, Noah, Mathers, &C.
Col Sparks resided at the cantonment with the regi
ment about one mile of the fort This cantonment
built for the health Of the troops, at which number
Of respectable citizens had their residence amongst
the Hon. Judge Toumin Lieut.. E. p Gaines had his
residence at the fort at which place guard from the
cantonment renewed daily.
On my arrival ut the fort bringing with letters Of
introduction from Gen. A. Jackson Cen SEWER 1.-THE ia
ther-in-law Of Col Sparks Gov Blount Of Tennessee
aud Judges Emmerson and Hugh L. White, Of Knoxville,
was requested by the commanding officer to act suit
Ter to the troops, along with the late Col b. 8. Smoot
who had resigned his post Of lieutenant in the regiment
and had received the appointment Of sheriff To the fore
going request added polite and friendly invitation
u
ly, which was thankfully accepted.
The present highly respectable Gen. Theo L. Toulmin,
Of Mobile then youth, living with his father, Judge
Toulmin.
Col Richard Sparks had been in the army Of the Uni
ted States from young man. aud esteemed las in
formed in military point Of view; illiterae, but
possessed of good share Of intellectual powers brave
COOL and determined all occasions lie attempt
ed read volume Of any kind and with much difficulty
made his signature Mrs. Sparks, most accomplished
lady daughter of the before mentioned Gen. SEWER
Of Tennessee OF the greatly distinguished heroes
Kings Mountain" regularly read the papers to the
colonel, penned his Communications to the Secretary Of
War; and read to him those from the War Department
From my becoming part Of his family the post held by
the amiable lady turned to long as the
colonel remained Mt the fort Col Sparks remarked
by the officers around him. also by citizens who init.
matey knew him, for singularly tenacious memory.
The remark Of forgetting nothing" was daily
applied TO him by the sodiery The extent
to which he exhibited the peculiartes Of the Indian cha
racer subject also OF remark as also his
partially and knowledge Of Indian and charac.
ter In the enjoyment Of his sesta his favoritc place
was buffalo robe two the floor; his most agree
able diet bear meat venison, wild turkey, opossun &c
Indian details n favorte subject Of conversation
with him, and in which he indulged, especially when
Judge Toulmn and Lieutenant Games were present. to
whose society he quite partial Frequently stating
the circumstances attending his capture by the
when child Wheeling the Ohio his being adopt
cd by chief; their family customs the treatment he
received from the family, who lived Pluggs's