APPENDIX. 547 



faction at our conduct, while his attendants busied themselves in 

 pillaging the burning ruins. 



By the best estimate I can make, the natives lost twelve men ; 

 there was no means of computing the number of wounded; about 

 three hundred houses were burned, and many canoes were destroyed. 



I am indebted for this summary execution of your orders to the 

 zeal and energy of the officers and men whom I had the honour to 

 command. 



Very respectfully, 



William M. Walker, 



Lieutenant. 



Captain Wm. L. Hudson, 



U. S. Ship Peacock. 



IV. 



(Confidential.) 



U. S. Ship Vincennes, 



June 15th, 1841. 



Sir, 



You are intrusted with the charge of the party, consisting of 

 Messrs. Peale, Rich, Agate, and Dr. Whittle, together with the 

 necessary servants. 



Mr. Rodgers will also accompany you, as interpreter, caterer, &c. ; 

 he having been engaged by me for that purpose, for the explanation 

 of the district pointed out to you on the accompanying map. 



Your arrangements will be completed as early as possible, and you 

 will be careful that the organization of your party is complete, and 

 that they maintain a due obedience to your orders and authority 

 during this service, for on it will depend their safety. 



I cannot too strongly impress upon you the necessity of constant 

 watchfulness and caution, in the steps you will pursue, and of acquir- 

 ing the information necessary to enable you to judge for yourself. 



It is desirable to avoid all collision with the Indians, if possible, 

 without, however, showing them that you do so ; and if unavoidably 

 attacked, you must not only repulse them, but punish them, as far as 

 may lay in your power, exercising due discretion. 



