Martinsburgh Gazette

From the Georgia Journal Extra.

GREAT VICTORY
OVER THE INDIANS.

MILIDGEVILLE, 2d April, 1814.

The following very important despatch from General Jackson to Gen. Pinckney, has this moment been received by Governor Early; this last battle decides the fate of the Creek Indians.

HEAD-QUARTERS.
6th and 7th Districts,
Fort-Hawkins, April 2d, 1814.

SIR--I have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency the official account of a decisive victory over the hostile Creek Indians achieved by the military talent and enterprise of Gen. Jackson, supported by the distinguished valor and good conduct of the gallant troops under his command :--

While the sigh of humanity will escape for this profuse effusion of human blood, which results from the savage principle of our enemy, neither to give nor accept quarters-- and while every American will deeply lament the loss of our meritorious fellow soldiers who have fallen in this contest, we have ample cause of gratitude to the giver of all victory for thus continuing his protection of our women and children, who would otherwise be exposed to the indiscriminate havoc of the tomahawk and all the horrors of savage warfare.

I have the honor to be very respectfully,
your Excellency's most obedient servant,
THOS. PINCKNEY,
Maj. Gen. U. S. Army
His Excellency Gov. Early

On the battle ground, in the bend of the Tallapoosie, 28th March, 1814

Major Gen. Pinckney,
Sir--I feel peculiarly happy in being able to communicate to you the fortunate eventuation of my expedition to the Tallapoosie. I reached the bend near Emucfau (called by the whites the Horse Shoe) about 10 o'clock in the afternoon of yesterday, where I found the strength of the neighboring towns collected; expecting our approach, they had gathered in from Oakfuskee, Oakchaga, New Yaucau, Hillibees, the Fish Pond and Eufaulee towns, to the number it is said of 1000. It is difficult to conceive a situation more eligible for defence than they had chosen, or one rendered more secure by the skill with which they had erected their breastwork. It was from 5 to 8 feet high and extended across the point in such a direction, as that a force approaching it would be exposed to a double fire while they lay in perfect security behind. A cannon planted at one extremity could have raked to no advantage. Determining to exterminate them, I dispatched Gen. Coffee with the mounted men, and nearly the whole of the Indian force early on the morning of yesterday to cross the river about two miles below their encampment, and to surround the bend in such a manner, as that none of them should escape by attempting to cross the river.-- With the infantry I proceeded slowly and in order along the point of land which led to the front of their breastwork, having planted my cannon, (one six pounder and one 3 pounder) on an eminence at the distance of 150 or 200 yards from it, I opened a very brisk fire playing upon the enemy with muskets and rifles whenever they showed themselves beyond it; this was kept up with short interruptions. for about two hours, when a part of the Indian force and Capt. Russell's and Lieut. Bean's companies of spies, who had accompanied Gen. Coffee crossed over in canoes to the extremity of the bend, and set fire to a few of the buildings which were there situated : they then advanced with great gallantry towards the breastwork ; and commenced a spirited fire upon the enemy behind it.-- Finding that this force, notwithstanding the bravery they displayed, was wholly insufficient to dislodge them, and that Gen. Coffee had entirely secured the opposite bank of the river, I now determined to take their works by storm. The men by whom this was to be effected had been waiting with impatience to receive their order, and hailed it with acclamation. The spirit which animated them was a sure augury of the success which was to follow. The history of warfare, I think furnishes few instances of a more brilliant attack--the regulars, led on by their intrepid and skilful commanders, Col. Williams and the gallant maj. Montgomery, soon gained possession of the works in the midst of a most tremendous fire from behind them, and the militia of the venerable gen. Doherty's brigade, accompanied them in the charge, with an intrepidity which would have done honor to regulars. The enemy were completely routed--557 were left dead on the peninsula, and a great number of them were killed by the horsemen in attempting to cross the river : it is believed that no more than ten had escaped. The fighting continued with some severity above five hours, but we continued to destroy many of them who had concealed themselves under the banks of the river. until we were prevented by the night.-- This morning we killed 16 which had been concealed. We took 250 prisoners, all women and children, except two or three.-- Our loss is 106 wounded and 26 killed.--

Maj. McIntosh (the Cowetau) who joined the army with a part of his tribe, greatly distinguished himself. When I get an hour's leisure, I will send you a more detailed account. According to my original purpose, I commenced my return march to fort Williams to-day; and shall, if I find sufficient supplies there hasten to the Hickory ground. The power of the Creeks is, I think, forever broken. I send you a hasty sketch, taken by the eye, of the situation on which the enemy were encamped, and of the manner in which I approached them. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant.

ANDREW JACKSON.
Major-general.
Maj. Gen. Pinckney