Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-03-20

When General Wayne took command of the
expedition destined to act against the Indians
of the Northwest, he was fully aware of the
difficulties which lay in his way, and the almost
insurmountable obstacles to be overcome. The
enemy against whom he had now to contend,
pursued vastly different mode Of warfare from
that which he had recently fought, and vigil
lance, subility, and cunning, were Of far greater
need in the command of such an expedition,
than the orthodox skill Of military chief Tt
was highly necessary to be constantly upon the
alert to prevent surprise; and to guard against
the Vaccinations of his crafty foe, he organized
several corps IF spies, composed of the most
efficient and experienced woodmen and Indian
hunters which the frontiers afforded. The COM
mand of these companies was given to such as
were distinguished for their intrepidity and
GOODNESS in danger. Among others who mer-
tied and obtained this honor, was Captain Will
liam Wells, who had been taken prisoner by
the Indians while child, and brought up under
their tutelage until he arrived at maturity. He
had been engaged in the action with St Clair,
and commanded a select body Of the enemy,
who were stationed opposite the artillery, and
did fearful execution among the cannoneers.
Feeling assured, after that event, that the whites
would take bloody revenge, and anticipating
their Ultimate success in the contest he left the
Indians and joined Wayne's army. His knowl-
edge Of the country, of the Indian language,
and, above all, of their habits and mode of fight
ing, pointing him out as an efficient and valu-
able scout. Among his men was one by the
name of Henry Miller, who likewise had served
an apprenticeship with the Indians, but had
escaped, leaving his youngest brother Chris
topher-who had refused to fy--in their hands.
The corps of Captain Wells performed many
deeds Of valor and bravery during the campaign,
which raised them high in the estimation Of the
commander, and excited against him the i'm
placabls hostility OF the Indians.
On one occasion he was directed by Wayne
to bring in an Indian prisoner. Selecting few
of his band, he started on his perilous duty.
Cautiously and secretly they proceeded through
the Indian country, hoping to surprise strag-
Cling party, but met none with whom they
could cope, until they reached the Anglaise
river, on the banks Of which they discovered
Indian signs. Searching carefully in the neigh
borhood, they came upon party Of three In
dams, who were gathered about q small fire,
cooking venison. They had judiciously selected
tn, ir camp, having located it on the apex of
small knoll, or mound, which was cleared Of
underbrush, and gave them free and unintcr-
rupted view Of the woods around them, thus
rendering II difficult TO approach without being
discovered. Wells, Miller. and Mcclellan re
counoitred their position, and, in doing so, dis
covered fallen tree on one side Of their camp,
which afforded the only cover within rife dis
lance Of them. IL was delicate affair TO gaiu
the shelter Of its branches without being seen,
which would have frustrated their design.
Wells determined to attempt il, however and,
dismounting and tying their horses, they COM
menccd TO creep on all fours in zig-zag drec-
ton, taking advantage Of every inequality Of
ground, every shrub and rock, TO shelter and
conceal their approach. In this manner, after
much exertion, they reached the tree, and for
the time were covered by its branches. Here
they arranged their plan, and prepared for its
execution One Of the Indians was on his
hands and knees, mending the fire; another
was seated opposite to him, engaged in CONVEX
sation with the third, who was standing in front
Of the FIRE, snd between the others. All APP
pcared to be in the best spirits in anticipation
Of their meal, and little dreamed Of the proxim-
ity Of danger.
It was arranged that Wells and Miller were
to shoot the two on either side Of the fire, while
Mcclellan, who was as feet Is deer, was to
charge through the smoke and capture the center
one ere he had time 10 recover from his FIRST
surprise. Resting their rifles on the trunk of
the tree, they aimed At the hearts Of their foes,
and in moment more two reports swoke the
echoes ofthe surrounding forest, and Mcclellan
wss bounding at his utmost speed toward tho
camp. Two Of the redskins fell dead, while
the third, discovering the rapid approach Of the
intrepid hunter, dropped his rife, which he had
not time to use, and fed towards the river,
which, at the point where he approached Il,
had banks twenty feet in height. Mcclellan
was at his hsels, however followed by the
others Of the party. There was no opportunity
10 double, and the Indian was forced to leap Of
into the mud and wster below. Here he stuck
fast laundering and trying to get out Nc
Clellsn, discovering his situation, sprung upor
him, and, a the other drew his knife, he raised
histomahavk. and threatened him with instant
death unless he surrendered. The rest of the