,86 [ 2 ] 
of the men were embarked; nearly all the horses killed or woundedj 
one of the anchors had bt-en weighed, the cable of the other cut, am! 
the boats dropping down the stream. 
The boatmen, with but few exceptions, were so panic struck, that it 
was impossible to get them to expose tliemselves to the least danger, 
indeed, for some time, to move from their seats o I ordered the boat 
landed at the first timber, for the purpose of putting the men and 
boats in a better situation to pass the villages in safety. When 
my intentions were made known, to my surprise and mortifica- 
tion, I was told by the men (with but few excq)tions that, under 
no circumstances, would they make a second attempt to pass, 
without a large reinforcement. Finding that no arguments that I 
could use would cause them to change their resolution, I commenced 
making arrangements for the security of my property. The men pro- 
posed, that, if 1 would descend the river to this place, fortify the boats, 
or make any other defence for their security, that they would remain 
with me until I could receive aid from Major Henry, or from some 
other quarter- I was compelled to agree to the proposition. On my 
arrival, I found them as much determined to go lower. A resolution 
had been formed by the most of them to desert. I called for volun- 
teers, to remain with me under any circumstances, until I should re- 
ceive the expected aid. Thirty only volunteered ; among them were 
but few boatmen; consequently, I am compelled to send one boat 
back. After taking a part of lier cargo on board of this boat, the ba- 
lance will be stored at the first fort below. 
My loss in killed and wounded is as follows : 
KILLED. WOUNDED. 
Jno. Matthews Reece Gibson, (since dead.) 
Jno. Collins Joseph Mouse 
. „, f killed at night Jolin Lawson 
Aaron Steevens, | .^^ ^j^^ ^^^.^^^ Abraham Ricketts 
James McDaniel Robert Tucker 
"Westley Piper Josopii Thompson 
George Flage Jacob Miller 
Benj'n F. Sweed Daniel McClain 
James Penn, jr. Hugh Glass 
Jno. Miller August Uufier 
John S. Gardner "Willis, Cblack man.) 
Ellis Ogle 
David Howard. 
I do not conceive but two of the wounded in danger. How many 
of the Indians were killed, I am at a loss t > say; 1 tlsink not more than 
seven or eight ; four or five were seen to fall on the btach. I thought 
proper to communicate this affair as early as an opportunity offered, 
believing that you would feel disposed to make those people account 
to government for the outrage committed. Should that be the case, 
and a force sent for that jjurpose in a short time, you will oblige me 
much if you will send me an express, at my own exi)ense, if one can 
