Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

578 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS
advantage of ground, and being superior in numbers, Major Jernigan
ordered a retreat of one hundred and fifty yards, bearing his wounded
before him, expecting that the Indians would renew the attack, which,
however, they did not. The wounded were carried to Captain Staple-
ton's house. The loss in the skirmish was three killed, and seven
wounded. The battle lasted fifty minutes. The number of the enemy
was estimated to be from two to three hundred.
"On the 26th, Major Jernigan pursued them until sunset- when he
was reinforced by a company from Lanahassee, commanded by Captain
Galba Matthews, by Guilford's Company, a part of Captain Snellgrove's
Company, Colonel Wood, Major Wills, and Captain Smith together with
others, making his force amount to three hundred men. A council of
officers was called, who requested Major Jernigan. to take the whole
command, to which he consented.
'' On the 27th, at sunrise, the line was formed, and the troops quickly
put in motion. The trail was soon discovered, and about three miles
below the camp, Major Jernigan's advance-guard, under Captain Moye,
heard the savages crossing Turkey Creek, at its confluence with the main
branch of the Echowanotchaway. The troops were marched to this spot,-
and preparations made for battle. The advance-guard was ordered to
proceed, and in crossing Turkey Creek, the Indians fired several scatter
ing guns from thick cane-brakes, and appeared to be moving forward.
The commands of Captains Matthews, Guilford, and Snellgrove were
detached to a place on the eastern side of the main creek, and below
Chumba and Turkey Creeks. Captain Clifton's Company was stationed
on the trail which entered the swamp. The companies of Captain Still
and Ball were marched across the creek.
"Major Jernigan having thus arranged his force, and knowing that
the Indians were below him, dispatched Captain Ball to inform the
troops in the eastern side of the main creek that they would be required
to approach the swamp; and as it was not probable that the Indians
would attempt to escape at the point covered by Captain Ball's com
pany, he was directed to blow the horn before he countermarched, to
induce the enemy to believe that a station was kept there. In the mean
time, the companies of Captain Ball and Clifton were united, and from
each a guard was detailed. Captain Ball returned, and gave information
of the arrival of General William Wellborn, of Irwinton. The General,
on his march to join Major Jernigan's eastern division, was hooted at by
the Indians in the cane-brake. He, however, reached the station with
out being fired on, and by consent and request of the captains, com
manded and led that division. As the time for action approached, sig
nals were given to enter the swamp, which was accordingly done by a
part of Captains Ball and Clifton's company. Precisely at eleven
o'clock, signal-guns were fired for the whole body to be put in motion,
and the march was immediately commenced. It was evident that the
Indians were well prepared for battle, and would vigilantly guard their
trail; and it being considered more than probable, from what had passed
between them'and General Wellborn, that spies would be placed on the.
eastern force, it was determined, if possible, to take the enemy by sur
prise. The troops marched through Turkey and Chumba creeks, leaving-
the Indian trail on their right. After marching about three hundred!