Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-09-07

appearance, he determined to drop
down the island go yards, and destroy
several canoes that were laying to
shore This he effected, and just on
setting his men on board, the British
commenced a fire on our boats with a
six, a four and two swivels, from be-
hind a knoll that completely covered
them. The boats were entirely exposed
to the artillery, which was distant $50
PAGES from us. So soon as the first
gun fired, l ordered a siX-pounder to
be brought out and placed, but, on
recollecting a moment, | found the
boat would be sunk before any imprse-
sion would be made on them by our
cannon, as they were completely under
cover, and had already brought their
guns to bear on our boats, for the
round shot from their six passed
through Lieutenant Hempstead's boat
and shattered her considerably. l
then ordered the boats to drop down,
which was done in order, and conduct
ed with the greatest GOODNESS by every
officer, although exposed to a constant
fire from their artillery for more than
half a mile.
Attacked From All Sides.
$50 soon as they commenced firing
from their artillery, the Indians raised
a yell and commenced firing on us
from very direction, whether they
were able to do us any damage or not.
From each side of the river, Captain
Rector, who was laying to the shore of
the island, was attacked the instant
the first gun was fired, by very large
party, and in a close and well contest
ed action OF about fifteen minutes, they
drove them, after giving three rounds
Of grape from his three-pounder ,
Captain Whiteside, who was near
est to Captain Rector, dropped down |
and anchored nigh him, and gave the |
5lemy several fires with his swivel; !
but the wind was so hard down stream !
as to drift his anchor Captain Rector !
At that moment got hfs boat off, and |
we were then exposed TO the fire of |
the Indians for two miles, which we
returned with interest from our small |
arms and small pieces OF artillery |
whenever we could get them TO bear. |
was compelled to drop down about /
three miles before a proper place pre- |
sented itself for landing as but few ;
IF the boats had anchors sufficient to |
stop them in the river. Here | halted /
'or the purpose of having the wounded /
attended and some of the boats re-
paired, as some of them had been in
ured by the enemy's artillery They
'ollowed us in their boats until We
halted on "a small prairie and prepared
or action, when they returned in as
great hurry as they followed us
Il then collected the officers to-
sether and put the following question /
o them: Are we able, 334 effective
non, officers, non-commissioncr officers
and privates, to fight the enemy with
my prospect of success and effect.
which is to destroy their villages and
'orn% They were of opinion the enemy
vas at least three men to one. and that
I was not practicable 10 effect either
object. | then determined TO drop
Town the river to the Lemoine without
lelay. as some of the ranging officers
lformed me their men were short of
and execute the principal
'bject of the expedition, in erecting "A
ort to command the river. This shall
pa enected as soon as practicable with
he means in my power, and should
he enemy attempt to descend the
liver In force before the fort can be
ompleted, every foot OF the way from