Copy of a Letter from Major-General Samuel Hopkins, to his · Excellency Governor Shelby.

On Wabash, near the mouth of Pine Creek, My dear Sir, November 26, 1812. By colonel Richard Taylor, quarter-master-general, who goes on as quick as possible to Frankfort, I have it in my power to give you general information of the movements of the army since my last.

On the 11th the army marched from Fort Harrison, on the road formerly made by governor Harrison's army, and the boats set out at the same time. The length of time the enemy had expected us, made it necessary to guard ourselves in an especial manner. The rise of the waters, from the heavy fall of rain preceding our march, and some large creeks, left us no doubt of considerable difficulty and embarrassment; insomuch that not until the 14th did we pass Sugar creek, three miles above the road.

From every information, I had no hesitation in moving on the east side of the Wabash. The Vermillions, Pine creek, and other impediments on the west side, superadded to the presumption that we were expected, and might more easily be annoyed and ambuscaded on that route, determined me in this measure. The boats too, with our provisions of rations, forage, and military stores, could be more easily covered and protected, as the line of march could be invariably nearer the river. Lieutenant-colonel Barbour, with one battalion of his regiment, had command of the seven boats, and encamped with us on the bank of the river almost every night. This so protracted our march that we did not reach the Prophet's town until the 19th. On the morning of this day I detached 300 men to surprise the Winebago town lying on Ponce Passu creek, one mile from the Wabash and four below the Prophet's. This party, commanded by general Butler, surrounded the place about break of day, but found it evacuated. There were in the main town about 40 houses, many of them from 30 to 50 feet in length, besides many temporary huts in the surrounding prairie, in which they had cultivated a good deal of corn. On the 20th, 21st, and 22d, we were embarked in the complete destruction of the Prophet's town, which had about 40 cabins and huts; and the large Kickapoo village adjoining below it on the west side of the river, cosisting of about 160 cabins and huts; finding and destroying their corn, reconnoitring the circumjacent country, and constructing works for the defence of our boats and army. Seven miles east of us, on the Ponce Passu creek, a party of

Indians were discovered; they had fired on a small party of ours on the 21st, and killed a man by the name of Dunn, a gallant soldier in captain Duval's company. On the 22d upwards of 60 horsemen, under the command of lieutenant-colonels Miller and Wilcox, anxious to bury their comrade, as well as gain a more complete knowledge of the ground, went on to a point near the Indian encampment, fell into an ambuscade, and 18 of our party killed, wounded, and missing. Among these are three hopeful young officers, and one private from the 8th (Wilcox's) regiment, Mars, Edwards, Murray, and the private Webb, presumed to be killed; the other 14 were of the rangers. On the return of this party, and the information of a large assemblage of the enemy, who, encouraged by the strength of their camp, appeared to be waiting for us, every preparation was made to march early, and engage the enemy at every risk; when, from the most violent storm and fall of snow, attended with the coldest weather I ever saw or felt at this season of the year, and which did not subside until the evening of the 23d, we were delayed until the 24th. Upon arriving on the ground, we found the enemy had deserted their camp before the fall of the snow, and passed the Ponce Passu. I have no doubt but their ground was the strongest I have ever seen-the deep rapid creek spoken of was in their rear, running in a semicircle, and fronted by a bluff 100 feet high, almost perpendicular, and only to be penetrated by three steep ravines. If the enemy would not defend themselves here, it was evident they did not intend fighting at all. After reconnoitring sufficiently, we returned to camp, and found the ice so accumulated as to alarm us for the return of the boats. I had fully intended to have spent one more week in endeavouring to find the Indian camps; but the shoeless, shirtless state of the troops, now clad in the remnants of the summer dress; a river full of ice; the hills covered with snow; a rigid climate, and no certain point to which we could further direct our operations; under the influence of the advice of every staff and field officer, orders were given and measures pursued for our return on the 25th.

We are now progressing to Fort Harrison, through ice and snow, where we expect to arrive on the last day of this moth. From Vincennes I shall have the honour of addressing your excellency again; but before I close this, I cannot forbear expressing the merits of the officers and soldiers of this command. After leaving at Fort Harrison all unfit for duty, we had in privates of every corps about 1000

-in the total 1250, or thereabouts. At the Prophet's town, upwards of 100 of these were on the sick report. Yes, sir, we have progressed in such order as to menace our enemy, free from any annoyance; seven large keel-boats have been covered and protected to a point heretofore unknown in Indian expeditions; three large Indian establishments have been burnt and destroyed, with nearly three miles of fence, (and all the corn, &c. we could find) besides many smaller ones; the enemy have been sought in their strong holds, and every opportunity afforded them to attack or alarm us; a march on the east side of the Wabash, without road or cognizance of the country, fully 100 miles perfected; and this has been done with a naked army of infantry, aided by only about 50 rangers and spies. All this was done in 20 days-no sigh, no murmur, no complaint.

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I certainly feel particular obligations to my friends general Butler, and colonel Taylor, for their effectual and ready aid in their line; as also to captain Z. Taylor, of the seventh United States regiment; Messrs. Gist and Richeson, my aidsde-camp, and major J. C. Breckenridge, my secretary, for a prompt and effectual support every instance. The firm and almost unparalleled defence of Fort Harrison, by captain Z. Taylor, has raised for him a fabric of character not to be effaced by my eulogy. To colonel Barbour, for his officer-like management, in conducting and commanding the boats, my thanks are due, as also to colonels Miller and Wilcox, and to major Hughes and Shacklet, and to the captains and subalterns of the army generally. From lieutenants Richeson, Hawkins, and Sullivan, of the United States troops, I have to acknowledge my obligations for their steady and uniform conduct, as well as captain Beckers, of the rangers, captain Washburn, of the spies, and the staff generally.

Let me refer your excellency to colonel Taylor for more minute information; and believe me, with high regard and consideration, to be, your most obedient servant,

SAMUEL HOPKINS.

Copy of a Letter from Colonel Russell, commanding a Detachment of the United States Rangers, to the Secretary at War, dated Camp Russell, 31st Oct. 1812. Sir, this will inform you that I arrived at this place from Vincennes, after general Hopkins had marched his mounted of three riflemen up to Fort Harrison. I took with me part companies of the United States rangers, where I was joined by governor Edwards with his mounted riflemen. The whole

of our strength only amounted to 360 privates. We penetrated very far in the Indian country, with an expectation of co-operating with general Hopkins, who by appointment was to meet us at the Peoria, on the Illinois river. In this we were sadly disappointed, as we could get no intelligence of his army. This prevented us from doing as much damage to the Indians as otherwise we could have done; as our numbers were too weak to make any delay in that quarter, as this was farther than any troops had hitherto penetrated. We stole a march upon the celebrated Pimertam's town, situated about twenty-one miles above Peoria Lake. This was a well built town, and contained a number of Indians. Between the town and river was a dismal swamp, in which they immediately flew for shelter, returning a few scattered shots. Our men nobly pursued them through the swamp for three miles, up to their waists in mud and water, and killed some of them in the swamp, and also others as they were crossing the Illinois river; the men also pursued them to the opposite bank, and brought back some of their canoes and several dead bodies. The governor states upwards of twenty to be killed of the enemy. This was a flourishing town, with an immense deal of Indian plunder in it, together with a great deal of corn, all of which was committed to the flames. I believe that not less than 80 horses fell into our hands, belonging to the enemy. Several white persons' scalps were also found amongst their plunder. I had the immediate command of the battalion, and the superior command was retained by his excellency the governor. On this expedition we were fortunate; we had four men wounded, none of whom mortally. This tour was performed from this camp and back to the same place in thirteen days.

I have the honour to be, with high respect, your obedient servant, W. RUSSELL, Col. 7th and Dist. Commandt.

Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell to General Harrison, dated

Dear General,

Camp on Mississinewa, two miles above Silver Heels, December 12, 1812. After a fatiguing march of three days and one night from Greenville, I arrived with the detachment under my command at a town on the Mississinewa, thought by the spies to be Silver Heels' town; but proved to be a town settled by a mixture of Delaware and Miami Indians.

About eight o'clock on the morning of the 17th, undis

covered, a charge was made upon the town, when many fled over the river, others surrendered-those who fled made resistance after crossing, by firing across the river. Thirtyseven prisoners are taken, whom I shall bring in with me, including men, women, and children-seven warriors were killed. After disposing of the prisoners I marched a part of the detachment down the river, and burned three villages without resistance; I then returned and encamped on the ground where stood the first village attacked.

This morning about day-light, or a little before, my camp was attacked by a party of Indians (the number unknown, but supposed to be between two and three hundred), on my right line occupied by major Ball's squadron, who gallantly resisted them for about three quarters of an hour, when the Indians retreated, after being most gallantly charged by captain Trotter at the head of his troop of cavalry. We lost in the first action one killed and one wounded (by accident the last) in the action of this morning, we have eight killed, and about twenty-five or thirty wounded; not having yet gotten a report, I am unable to state the number exactly. The Indians have lost about forty killed, from the discoveries now made; the spies are out at present ascertaining the number. I have sent to Greenville for a reinforcement, and send you this hasty sketch. A detailed report shall hereafter be made known to you, noticing particularly those companies and individuals, who have distinguished themselves signally.

I anticipate another attack before I reach Greenville, but rest assured, my dear general, they shall be warmly received. I have a detachment composed of the bravest fellows, both officers and soldiers, in the world. Our return will be commenced this morning. Among our killed I have to deplore the loss of the brave captain Pierce-lieutenant Waltz, of captain Markle's troop of cavalry, is also mortally wounded. Their gallant conduct shall be noticed hereafter. Yours, with the greatest respect and esteem,

(Signed)

JOHN B. CAMPBELL, Lieut.-col. 19th regt. U. S. Infantry. Gen. W. H. Harrison, com. N. W. Army.