264 TlMEHRI. 
In consequence of this resolution a detachment of 60 
men arrived in Demerary the beginning of December. 
They were joined by Capt. Smith with his Barbados 
Volunteers, sent by Mr. Clarke for the protection of 
the colony, and the command of the expedition was given 
to Captain SMITH, whose bravery was often tryed. This 
little army set off about the middle of December from 
the upper part of Rio Demerary, and after a very 
fatiguing march of 5 days through that immense forest, 
(trees only for their covering at night), they got to the 
boundaries of La Savonette, where Smith halted and 
sent forward two faithful Indians to reconnoitre, with 
orders to be upon their guards and at the same time to 
be as particular as possible. 
These fellows went on and having mounted on a tree 
near the plantation building, they perceived about 20 of 
the rebels patrolling before their garrison and keeping 
sentry. The remainder scattered about unarmed. They 
soon returned and made their report, upon which Cap- 
tain SMITH formed his corps into three divisions, marching 
himself in the centre ; and ordered them to give three 
huzzas as soon as they got within gun shot of the rebels 
and proceed to action. This was performed with courage 
and regularity, and the rebels perceiving them flew to 
their arms and made a bold resistance for some time, they 
being 250 in number. But Smith charged them so closely 
that they took to their heels and endeavoured to gain their 
canoes, and so to pass the river. But it was too late. 
Our people kept up a constant fire upon them, killed 64, 
and took 25 prisoners, among whom was their com- 
mander, a white man, who had assisted the rebels all 
along and who was a deserter. In this action there was but 
