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Stewart
County History
Indian
Wars
From
the Columbus Sentinel, Aug. 25, 1836-09-01
transcribed by Pam Rathbone
Maj. Jernigan's Official Report.
Head Quarters, Lumpkin, Georgia.
General;
After the battle on Sunday, the 24th July, I received by verbal express, a desire on the part of the officers in
command at Fort McCreary, to reinforce them with my company early next morning on the battle ground, and take up
the pursuit of the savage foe, who were directing their course to Florida. I returned a written message on Sunday
night, saying to the officers I would meet and co-operate with them next morning. At this time my company were
at their homes recruiting. I forthwith summoned and collected those of my company who were nearest, and called
upon citizens for assistance. Early next morning, I was informed the Indians had crossed the Cuthbert road, seven
miles below this place. I therefore knew that it would be a loss of time to go to the battle ground, and also anticipating
your orders to pursue with energy, determined to take up the pursuit with my own force. I immediately informed
the officers at Fort McCreary of the travel of the enemy, that, I should endeavor to cut them off from the swamps
below, and desired their immediate aid, which, however, I did not receive.
I set out for Mrs. Wambles' on the
Fort Gaines road, and soon ascertained the Indians had crossed Patawla creek and gained the west side of the road,
and were making their way to Echowanochaway swamp. I found their trail, at which time I was reinforced by citizen
soldiers, I organized my company, and citizens of Stewart and Randolph counties, eighty in the whole, and with
advance and flank guards pursued their trail. After a march of three miles struck the plantation of Mr. Reuben
Jones. The Indians scattered, and I am sorry to say, my advance guard separated also. Capt. Thomas Stapleton commanding
the advance went with a few others through the cornfield. I was met by one of the guard, and informed that the
principal trail had passed on the west side of the plantation, which I pursued until my own guardsman gave me a
signal to halt. He returned and stated he had seen the Indians encamped on a branch swamp, and thought himself
undiscovered by the enemy. I dispatched him to give signals to the flanks to return into line, and if possible
to return Capt. Thomas Stapleton with the balance of the advance. He however, soon returned without being able
to find Capt. S. I dismounted my company in silence, detailed a horse guard and was preparing for a silent approach
upon the camp, when to my great sorrow, a brisk firing took place between Capt. Stapleton's guard and the Indians.
The first thought that occurred to me was, that my little band, who had passed through the field, were surrounded.
I therefore determined, instead of approaching them in silence, that I would make a furious charge there by direct
hem from the advance guard, and turn them to me; which effect was pursued, but not in time to save the unfortunate
Stapleton. He had fallen. The battle commenced: the ground was closely contested by both white and red men. We
drove them back one hundred yards, at which time they ceased their yells. I ordered a charge but such was their
superiority of numbers my order was not obeyed. My men continued this Gauge, and the Indians returned the blast
from the thicket and branch. They having decidedly the advantage of the ground, I ordered a retreat of one hundred
and fifty yards, bearing my wounded before me, expecting the Indians would pursue and give us an equal chance with
them, (except in numbers) which, however, they did not do. My wounded were carried to the house of Capt.
Stapleton, to receive attention. With the balance of my force I returned to the seen of action, and found the bodies
of Capt. Stapleton, Thos. Williams, Jr. and a young man of the name of Cook, who lived with D. M. Leseuer of Stewart
County. I saw evident marks of Indians being dragged from the ground. Their loss is unknown. My los was three killed
and seven wounded. The names of the wounded are Clements Bryan, of Randolph, in the shoulder, severely; Robert
Wellborn, through the chest; __Felder, arm broke; ___ Martin, in the leg; N. R. Bryan in the throat, by a spent
ball; William Shield, in the foot; one other slightly wounded, name not recollected. The battle continued about
fifty minutes. The number of the enemy estimated between two and three hundred. After returning to the house of
Mr. Jones, near the ground of encampment, I made preparation, and ordered my dead to Lumpkin for interment, and
being near night, encamped Battle closed about 12 o'clock, M., Monday, 25th, July.
Tuesday morning, 26th.
I resumed the pursuit, and found the trail, which passed many swamps and hogs, and such was the irregularity of
their course, that ten miles travel upon the trail, led me within two miles of the battle ground. They were either
lost, or hoped I would overrun their trail and go on below. About twelve o'clock, after crossing Echowanotchaway,
their course was easily determined. I pursued until near sunset: found I was near them, and they traveled down
a large swamp. I halted my company, believing it best not to apprize them of the close pursuit, it being so near
dark that nothing effective could be done in the swamp. I sent out spies, and kept our strong camp guard at Mr.
brown's where I spent the night. My spies returned, and reported the enemy traveling slowly. I was this evening
reinforced by a company from Lanahassee, Stewart county, commanded by Capt. Galba Matthews and at camp by Guilford's
company, Col. Wood, Major Wills, and Capt. Smith, together with many other brave officers and soldiers joined
in the pursuit at this camp, the force now amounting to about 300 men. A council of officers called, who unanimously
requested me to take the general command to which I consented, and requested Col. Wood, of Randolph, to aid me
by extending my orders through the line, to which he agreed. I divided my own company into three Captain's commands,
and assigned to Major T. J. Still, Capt. G. B. Ball, and Capt. N. Clifton, each a division. I issued orders to
Captains commanding to prepare foe day light march. At this place I received your complimentary orders confiding
in me to pursue and check the enemy.
Wednesday, 27th.
This morning before sunrise the line was formed, and troops in motion, and for two reasons without breakfast. First,
no time to cook; and second, nothing to cook. The trail was soon discovered, and about three miles below the camp,
my advance guard, under command of Capt. Moye, heard the Indians crossing Turkey creek, at its confluence with
the main Echowanochaway. I advanced to the spot, and prepared for battle; ordered the advance forward, and an crossing
Turkey creek, which was swimming, the Indians fired several scattering guns from thick cane brakes, and seemed
to be moving forward. I ordered the advance guard to return and join the main force, as I knew we were very close
upon them. I wished to guard every point until I could go round and view the situation, and make an effectual blow
upon them. I detached Capt. Matthew's, Gilford's, and Snellgrove's command to station on the eastern side of the
main creek. I stationed Capt. Still to a trail through the swamp, which was said to be about two miles. The pilot
who gave me the information professed to know the country well.
The distance, however, proved to be five miles. Having now the new points guarded, and knowing the Indians were
below us, I dispatched Capt. Ball to inform my eastern division that their force would be the one required to approach
the swamp; and as the point covered by Capt. Ball's company, was the least probable for the Indian's escape. I
should blow the horn before I countermarched, to induce the enemy to believe that a station was kept there.
I accordingly joined the companies of Ball and Clifton together, and from each detailed a guard, and moved my horses
to the highland. Capt. Ball returned and informed me of the arrival of Gen. William Wellborn, of Irwinton, who
brought ten men under his command. The General on his march to join my eastern division, was cursed and damned
by the Indians in the cane brake. He reached the station without being fired on, and by consent and request of
the Captains commanded and led that division. The minute approached, and signals of entree into the swamp being
understood, with a part of Capt. B. and C's, company I marched to the swamp. At precisely 11 o'clock, my signal
guns were fired. The signals being understood, the line of march was taken up. I knew from the Indian character
in war, that they were well prepared for battle, and would vigilantly guard their trail; and from what had passed
between them and Gen. Wellborn, that spies would be placed on the eastern force, I therefore determined, if possible,
to take them by surprise. I marched through Turkey and Chumba creeks, leaving Indian trail on my right. After marching
about three hundred yards, the mud and water thickly set with cane, I discovered a bushy water oak; I sent a spy
up the tree, who reached the distance of forty feet, and returned down, and reported the camp at the distance of
three hundred yards, all cane brake, until we reached the hammock, upon which they were situated. He pointed
out a noted forked pine, as a land mark. He also informed me that he could discern spies watching their trail,
and others watching General Wellborn's division. I directed Capt. Ball and Clifton to move forward, inclining to
the left, in order to give them an attack broadside. The march was continued until I could hear the Indians talk.
I ordered a halt by giving signs, and dispatched Col. Wood, with others, to gain the rear of Gen. Wellborn, and
inform him where I was situated, the situation of the Indians and etc.
My messengers had not been absent two minutes before a dreadful firing took place between Gen. Wellborn and the
Indians. I ordered a charge with the sound of the horn, and in thirty seconds from the fire of the first gun, the
two companies gained the hammock, and covered the line of Indians broadside. The firing from all quarters was heavy
and animated. The Indians fought with more desperation and gave up the ground with more reluctance that any battle
I have had with them. Such was their determination to keep the ground. I saw one shot down not more than
thirty steps. Charge officers, and performed by soldiers, well worthy their country's praise. The engagement lasted
45 minutes, and ended about half past one o'clock. After forcing them from their strong positions, two infant children
were heard to cry in the can brake. I had them brought to the battle ground. My loss was three killed: Mr. Carter,
of Irwinton, Ala; David Sutley, of Randolph, and John Crocker, Jr. of Lumpkin. I had thirteen wound, a part of
those wounds were slight, returned to their homes. The following is a list of the wounded, E. Butler, ___Frith,
Thomas Shepherd, Willis Barton, William Hughes, Col. Wood and William Hilborne of Randolph, Lewis Williams, Richard
Cannady and Capt. Green R. Ball, of Stewart, Capt. Jenkins and ___Patterson, of Irwinton, Ala. The loss of the
Indians cannot be ascertained. Such was the extent of the swamp, their escape with deadly wounds is not a matter
of surprise. Eighteen were found dead, some of them three miles from the battle ground. I returned to the camp
hearing on twelve pack horses and two ponies, captured from the Indians, near $1000 worth of Reanoke goods.
The most of the horses were lost in the battle on Sunday near Fort McCreary, and I am happy to say, have been identified
and restored to their owners. The goods were divided out to Captains of companies, who distributed them to their
soldiers.
Wednesday night, at Camp Fillingame,
I had the pleasure of seeing you with reinforcements. One infant was taken by my company on the next morning near
the battle ground, and since my return to my station, I am informed that one of the citizens found a girl six years
old. The three infants not exceeding six months old, were taken away by gentlemen who seemed pleased to have them.
I returned to my station agreeably to your orders. Nothing has occurred worth notice since my letters to you at
your camp in Baker.
In conclusion, I owe it to those brave
officers to state that Gen. Wellborn, Col. Wood, Major Wills, Capt. Ball, Guilford, Still, Snellgrove and Matthews,
discharged the respective duties assigned them as officers, to my entire satisfaction, moved forward with that
fearless courage which moved our forefathers in'76. Their motto was " Do or die!"
I am, very respectfully, yours,
H. W. Jernigan,
Capt. Commanding Stewart Rangers
Major Gen. John W. A. Sanford,
Head Quarters, Columbus.
From The
Columbus Herald. Aug. 23
The report of Paddy Carr, a friendly
Indian commander, which we insert below, will be read with interest, as it is free from bombast and egotism, and
relies for its merit upon what actually took place.
Gen. Sanford:
Sir: I have the honor herewith to report the movements of the force under my command, consisting of friendly Indians;
also, their present number and position. On the 4th inst. we received orders to march to the Cowagee and Hatchachubbee
creeks, for the purpose of scouring these creeks, and in company with a body of Tennessee Troops, that duty
was performed, the following creeks and swamps were thoroughly hunted; Cowagee, Hatchachubbee, Wilarni, and High
Log, we also extended our search as far as to the Chewata, only about 5 miles above Irwinton. The first discovery
we made of hostile Indians, was on the first day we went out, and on the waters of the Hatchachubbee; they consisted
of 12 in number, 2 warriors, 1 woman, and the balance children, which we took prisoners without opposition. The
next party we overtook on the Cewagee, on the next day; this gang contained about 10 Indians, who, when they first
discovered us, shewed signs of fight; they were all stripped perfectly naked, painted in warlike style, and several
of them in the act of shooting, having their rifles raise to their shoulder and cocked. I spoke to them in Indian,
and told them to stand, to which they agreed. My party was about two hundred yards in advance of the Tennessee
Troops, and before the latter could get up to me, the hostiles jumped down the bank into the creek, and were out
of sight in a moment, we fired on them, but without doing any injury. We gave chase and followed them about 6 miles,
we never could get sight of them afterwards, they took to the middle prong of the Cowagee swamp, where no doubt
they scattered themselves. Night overtook us and we quit the drive. On our return, and during the next day, we
discovered fresh trails i n Cowagee, and from the foot prints to be seen, there were some 15 or 20 in a gang. We
followed these trails about 9 miles, but could not find the Indians. We then returned to Fort Mitchell and there
struck camps. After waiting two days we started out alone, no white men with us, during this tour of four days,
we came upon and captured a party of 12 Indians, consisting of men, women and children, whom we brought with us
to Fort Mitchell and secured.
We took these Indians on the Ah-hagee
creek a little way above the old Chehaw town. From this party we learned that the most of the warriors had left
the creek nation and gone over to Florida, a portion of my command is now quartered at Fort Mitchell. Some of them
are at Ben Marshell's and a party of 6 I sent out to talk with hostiles and say to them, they had better come in,
for, if we were obliged to hunt them again, we would shew them no quarters, this party is still out. I have now
under my command, 117 friendly Indians; only a part of them however are mounted. If we all had horses, we could
be much more serviceable.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your Most Obedient Servant,
Paddy Carr
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