Virginia Argus

NASHVILLE, Nov. 17th, 1812.

ANOTHER VICTORY.

Mr. Thos. H. Fletcher, of this town, has just arrived from general Jackson's army and states, that on the evening of the 7th inst. gen. Jackson received intelligence that a large body of Indians were besieging a fort of Friendly Indians, situated about 30 miles below the Ten Islands of Coosa river. At 12 o'clock that night, a detachment of the army, (2000 strong) took up the line of march, and arrived at the Fort about 7 o'clock on the 9th.

The action was brought on by Captains Deadrick's, Caperton's and Bledsoe's companies. The advance was led on by Col. Carroll, in handsome style. The Indians were totally routed—in half an hour the pursuit commenced which continued an hour and a half longer. Of the enemy, 278 were found dead on the ground—though many more were certainly killed. The battle field was very large, and entirely covered with grass—of course many were killed, who could not be found.

We had 15 killed, and 84 wounded—generally slightly. The Indian force was 1100 at least.

Gen. Jackson commanded in person.

Provisions are scarce in camp. it is thought, that if the army had had ten days provisions on hand after the battle of Talladega, the Creek war would have terminated in that time. The battle was fought only 30 miles from the Hickory Ground.

Mr. Fletcher was the bearer of a stand of colors taken from the enemy, bearing the Spanish cross.

Col. Lauderdale, of the cavalry is wounded in the leg; Col. Pillow, shot through the body; Major Richard Boyd's right arm broke.

The army, when Mr. Fletcher left it, was entirely destitute of Provisions, and had been on very scanty allowance for some time. When Mr. F. passed Fort Deposit (50 miles in the rear of the army) there was sixty thousand pounds of Meal—and Beeves were passing between Ditto's and Deposit. Ward and Taylor are now contractors, and the army could bear out a few days longer, supplies in abundance would reach them; or should they fall back, they will meet the Provisions. Nothing was wanting to insure complete success but Provisions. Gen. Jackson has exerted himself to the utmost pitch to furnish the troops—he has done his duty in every respect, in a masterly manner.

Col. Carroll led the Advance, and displayed the utmost bravery and skill. Among the killed are Lieutenants Minor and Barker, and Mr. Taylor of White County.

The Indians were drawn up behind a small swamp, and in good order. Col. Brown (an Indian) displayed his accustomed bravery. The men of his Town (about 20) fought well—The Fort was regularly picketted, and tolerably strong—it was commanded by Leslie, a half breed.

Extract from a letter from col. Wm. Carroll to his brother in Nashville, brought by the Express.

You have no doubt heard of our battle fought on the morning of the 9th. In a few words I can say that 500 Indians were killed. Our loss 15 killed and 85 wounded. The hardest of the battle was sustained by four companies under my command that brought on the attack, we fought fifteen minutes before the balance were engaged.—I had only seven wounded and my horse shot down by an arrow.

Larkin Bradford was killed.

Extract of a letter from Mr. John P. Erwin to his friend in Nashville, dated Camp Strother on Coosa River, Nov. 12.

Tis now two hours before day light, and an express being about to start very early to Nashville, I give you a short account of our proceedings since I wrote you last. On Sunday evening an Indian came in and told us that there was an army of Creeks not more than 30 miles down the river, laying siege to a fort possessed by some of the peace party. Gen. Jackson made immediate arrangements for marching to attack them, and on that night at 12 o'clock 2400 men, including the life guards, crossed the Coosa (here 1/2 mile wide) on our march. We went that day within 6 miles of the fort, and having started before day next morning, we arrived in sight of them at 7 o'clock.

The army was formed with our company and 2 others, some distance in front of the whole We at the distance of one hundred yards, were hailed and received two heavy fires from the main force of the enemy without losing a man.

We then advanced on them, and commenced a rapid fire, which drove them into a swamp, after which we retreated for the purpose of drawing them out, in this we succeeded, and after regaining our former ground, we again turned on them, and after receiving their fire, rushed on them to the edge of the swamp and by one or two heavy fires dispersed them on each side; but finding that they were trying to surround us, and the other troops being at a great distance from us, we again retreated without loss, and we found it to be in good time. At the same time one half a mile on our left, the militia and cavalry were warmly engaged with the balance of their force, which they had nearly surrounded. In that part of the field the firing was for a short time, tremendous, and a great number were killed but some broke through the line and made their escape.

We had then joined the brigade of volunteers in our rear, and all commenced the pursuit, which was continued three miles until overcome with heat and fatigue, we returned to the main army, and thus made the battle of Talladega (the English of which is the end.) On looking over the field and counting the killed and wounded, our loss was 15 killed and 85 wounded. two of whom are since dead. Of the Indians 300 were found dead on the field, & I suppose an equal number were wounded. Our muskets were loaded with shot and ball, and we certainly wounded a great number in proportion to the killed: so that their loss cannot be called less than 600. On Tuesday morning the battle was fought, and on the next day we commenced our march back (having started with only one day's ratione) and on last night we reached our camp, worn down with hunger and fatigue.