Page:Messages and Letters of William Henry Harrison Vol. 1.djvu/643

 Rh tried Enemy many of the privates have imbibed such ideas of Indian address and Ferocity that it was found a matter of some difficulty to keep the centinels to their posts the night after the alarm. Two of the Delawares who are now in camp speak good English and before I was aware of it an opinion had been pretty generally imbibed from them amongst the men and by most of the officers that our force was too small to attack the Prophet with success. From the return which is herewith enclosed [Oct. 12, above] you will observe that our effectives are but little above nine hundred. From these must be deducted a small garrison for this fort and perhaps twelve or fifteen more sick than the report recognizes. From all the information which I have received I cannot estimate the Prophet's force at less than 600 men. Whatever precautions I may use it will be in his power to attack us when and where he pleases and precipitate the whole of his force upon our weakest point. With raw Troops I found upon my march hither that it was impossible to preserve that order and precision in our movements which is so desirable and necessary. The menouver which I have adopted for forming an order of Battle from the order of march altho extremely simple the men are not sufficiently expert in performing altho every opportunity has been embraced of practising it. A panic or confusion from an attack at that particular moment might be fatal. From Mr. Connor I learn that all the Delawares were impressed with a belief that the Prophet would attack us and that he and his followers were confident of success. I know not from whence this confidence can be derived, it is certain that it was not felt four weeks ago. I cannot learn that he has received any accession of strength and the ridiculous and superstitious pranks which he is practising inspire his followers with a belief in his supernatural powers can impose upon them only. Whatever may be the cause of this confidence the probability of its existence is sufficient to inspire caution. I do believe most sincerely that the Troops I have now with me are equal to the task of beating all the force the prophet can muster altho admitting him to have 600. The relative proportion is less favourable to us than it has ever been in any general action with the Indians, but I am not so ambitious of military fame as to subject the troops under my command to any unnecessary hazard to obtain it. A few companies more would make success entirely unequivocal. I have