The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

We hear, That on the 27th of February last, Major Loftus was ordered with the 22d Regiment, consisting of about 300 Men, from Mobile, to proceed up the Mississipi, and take Possession of the Illinois, 500 Leagues distant: That he found the Passage up the River very difficult, owing to the Rapidity of the Current, which retarded their March so much that they could scarce proceed Ten Miles a Day: And that on the 20th of March, having only got 70 Leagues up the River, their foremost Boat was attacked by the Indians, and in a few Minutes had six Men killed, and as many wounded: That the other Boats immediately attempted to land, but were also very smartly fired upon: that Major Loftus having a few Days before, lost 57 Men by Desertion, not knowing the Number of the Enemy, and being then at a Place Le Roche Davoine, about 400 Leagues from the Illinois, thought it impracticable to fulfill his Orders, therefore returned to Pensacola.