/(j Expedition to the 



by the successive growth, and decomposition of the yearly 

 products, as to give it the aspect of fertility. 



On the south side of Loutre Prairie, a well has been sunk, 

 sixty-five feet without obtaining water; on the north, water 

 is readily found, by digging to a moderate depth. Loutre 

 Prairie is twenty-three, and Grand Prairie is twenty-five 

 miles in length: on the borders of each are some scattering 

 settlements. 



Near Loutre island are several forts, as they are called by 

 the inhabitants, built by the settlers during the late war, and 

 designed to afford protection, against the attacks of the Abori- 

 gines, chiefly the Kickapoos, and Saukees, who were most 

 feared in this quarter. They are simply, strong log houses, with 

 a projecting upper story, and with loop holes for musketry. 



It was within a few miles of this place, that a company of 

 mounted rangers, commanded by captain Calloway, were 

 attacked by the Indians. The assault commenced as the 

 rangers were entering a narrow defile, near the confluence 

 of the Prairie-Forks of Loutre Creek. Several men were kill- 

 ed at the first fire, and captain Calloway received in his bo- 

 dy a ball, that had passed through his watch. So furious 

 was the onset, that there was no time for reloading their 

 pieces, after they had discharged them. Captain Calloway 

 threw his gun into the creek, that it might not add to the 

 booty of the Indians, and though mortally wounded, drew 

 his knife, and killed two of the assailants, but seeing no 

 prospect of success he ordered a retreat, hoping thereby to 

 save the lives of some of his men. He was the last to leave 

 the ground, when springing into the creek he received a shot 

 in his head, and expired immediately. 



Loutre island, is something more than nine miles long, 

 and about one mile wide, and is the residence of several 

 families. Between it, and the main land, is an isthmus which 

 is left naked at times of low water. Loutre creek enters at 

 the lower end of the island. It is not navigable. Mr. Tal- 



