Richmond Enquirer

FROM FLORIDA

Savannah, Aug. 23—From a passenger on board the steamer Poinsett, Capt. Peck, arrived at this port from Jacksonville, on Tuesday afternoon, we learn that an express arrived half an hour previous to his leaving, bringing the intelligence that a train of four wagons loaded with provisions had been attacked by a party of Indians, between Camp Pinckney and the Okefenokee swamp—the wagons burnt, mules shot, and two men killed.

Since the receipt of the above intelligence, we have received a letter from an esteemed friend, giving further particulars, which we spread before our readers:

Extract of a letter, dated

"ST. MARY'S, Aug. 19, 1838.

"A Union meeting had been notified, and would have taken place yesterday at Jefferson—but for a recent attack made by a body of Indians on a baggage train, on its way from Kettle creek, Ware co., to Trader's Hill (the depot of provisions). The facts as far as they have reached us, appear to be these:

"The train had left Kettle creek, the encampment of the Dragoons, for Trader's Hill—4 wagons with a guard of 16—and had advanced within 13 miles of Centerville, and probably not more from Trader's Hill: at Carter's, a place immediately on the road, Indians to the number of 60 to 70 had taken possession of the cabin and other houses, and were engaged digging potatoes and plundering other articles. When the advance wagon got in front or near the dwelling—the Indians rose from their ambush and commenced a general fire—the corporal of the guard was shot down—and two other waggoners desperately wounded, who succeeded in making their escape, and are now lying dangerously ill within a few miles of Centerville. The wagon in the rear succeeded in wheeling about and returning to Kettle creek. Loss sustained—one corporal killed, two privates supposed mortally wounded, three baggage wagons left on the road, and five mules killed.

The wagon master, it is said, behaved most gallantly, and saved from inevitable death one of the teamsters, who having his team crippled attempted his escape, and but for the bravery of Mr. Branch, the wagon master, who was on horseback, and seeing the perilous situation of the wagoner, whilst pursued by six Indians—charged and fired upon them—this brought them to a momentary halt—he then followed after, and by dint of daring bravery, succeeded, in the face of the enemy, to take him up behind and make his escape. He represents that there could not have been less than from 50 to 70 Indians.

"Major Dearborn, with a detachment of horse, departed from 'Trader's Hill' the next morning for the spot. He has since returned, and reported as I have above stated—and buried the corporal.

"It is to be hoped that prompt and instant measures will be taken to relieve the frontier settlers, or else the country will become a desolate waste."