Page:Messages and Letters of William Henry Harrison Vol. 1.djvu/764

722 timbers on his left his men somewhat to the right, it is fairly inferable that the shot proceeded from our ranks ; the attack failed, and the Colonel was bourn to his tent. Daybreak on the 7th of November in rain, come a little after six o'clock. As the day dawned the infantry in squads charged upon the savages and Funk's and Bagg's companies outstripping the foot men drove the Indians into the swamps as far as practicable for horsemen to follow; this was the end of the action. Great consternation prevailed in the little band, who had thus gallantly repulsed this treacherous night attack, for 10 days it had been reduced to half rations, their few cattle had stampeded during the engagement while they expected from rummors that had obtained currancy, that the Indians would return to the attack, reinforced by Tecumseh the warrior at the head of 1000 Indians. About 8i/o oclock Capt. Funk w^aited on Col. Daviess and assisted in changing his clothes and dressing his wound. The colonel was in great pain and consternation fearing the ex- pedition would retreat abandoning its baggage and wounded & he exacted from the Capt. the assurance that in no event would he leave him behind. The Col. a distinguished lawyer who had joined in the campaign from a love of adventure, expired at 1 P. M. the same day. Although our troops were satisfied that they inflicted severe punishment upon their savage foe, They were aware that if Tecumseh should reinforce them, their situation would be eminently critical. The day of the 7th was devoted to the care of the wounded to whom all the provisions in the camp were assigned, the burial of our dead, and the strengthening of the encampment. Night found every man mounting guard, without food, fire or light, and in a drizzling rain. The Indian dogs during the dark hours produced frequent alarms by prowling in search of carrion about the sentinels. The 8th dawned fair, the spies for the first time ventured from the encampment, and visiting the prophets towTi found it abandoned by the Indians with the exception of a wounded warrior and an old squaw. Great was the joy in camp when they returned bearing strings of corn as it was evident from the Indians abondoning their store of food they had retreated precipitately, after being well whipped. The wagons and mounted men then proceeded