From the Savannah Republican
Camden County, 26th Sept. 1812.
Mr. Printer—Presuming that all, or any information from his quarter, on the subject of our Florida affairs, will at all times be found acceptable, I take the liberty of communicating the following information, derived from unquestionable authority:
On the 14th inst. a detachment of 22 men, from Col. Smith's camp, under the command of Capt. Williams, who were sent to guard 3 waggons, employed in conveying provisions, to the camp, from the Block-House, at Davis's creek, on St. John's, were attacked, on their way, by seventy ******* and six Indians, (sent, as it appears, from St. Augustine, to cut off Col. Smith's supplies of provisions.)
This happened at the twelve-mile swamp, and late on the evening of that day. The enemy, at the first fire from their ambush, wounded 6 of Capt. W's men, who retreated to the edge of the swamp, were they rallied, made a firm stand, and expended 24 rounds each, (the contents of their cartridge boxes) amidst the yells aud fire of the overwhelming number of savages.
After the ammunition of the regulars were expended, the firing ceased, when the enemy with hideous screams and yells, rushed upon them. They were received with great firmness and driven back at the point of the bayonet.
Capt. Williams acted with great gallantry and, on rallying and exhorting his men, received 8 wounds. His left leg and arm broken, and otherwise, severely and, we fear, mortally wounded.* The command then developed on Capt. Fort, of Col. Newman's detachment of volunteers, (who accidentally happened to be with Capt. Williams) with no other weapon but his side-sarms. The first corporal was shot dead by his side; and by the same fatal ball he (Capt. F.) received a wound in his thigh. Notwithstanding this, he, with great courage and interpidity, seized the arms of the deceased soldier, and expended his ammunition.
Both parties remained on the ground all night. The enemy, from the superiority of numbers, possessed themselves of the waggons with which they removed their Killed and wounded; and by a gentleman, who was at St. Augustine on their arrival, it is reported, there were 15 of the latter brought in, one of which died immediately of his wounds. The number of the killed has not been correctly ascertained (some accounts say six; but it was evident, from the great profusion of blood, and the appearance of the battle ground the next day, that they must have suffercd severely—The loss of the regulars is, one killed, one missing and six wounded.
OCCURANCES NEARER HOME.
Early on Monday last, while public feeling was burning with indignation at the nefarious conduct of Spanish authority, in employing savages, of different shades for the destruction of our countrymen in arms, a vessel was loading at St. Mary's with provisions, avowedly destined for the Havanah, but sccretly intended for St. Augustine, for the support of the miscreants whose hands were yet reeking with the blood of our countrymen, sacrificed in the discharge of their duty.
The public feeling was consequently wound up to such a pitch, that a party of citizens boarded the vessel in the night, while lying in the stream, and so damuaged the cargo as to defeat the voyage.
On the following doy, a town-meeting was held, when the inhabitants, with the exception of NINE PERSONS, entered into fixed and determined resolutions, to hold up, to public scorn and execration, any person or persons, who should be engaged, directly or indirectly, in supplying the motley enemy with provisions; whereby to enable them to extend their cruelties and murderous acts. Already have they excited the ruthless savages to annoy our frontiers; and for the promise of reward have stained their scalping knives with the blood of an innocent and unoffending citizen, and despoiled the fruit of the hard earned industry of others.
The Militia have been drawn from every section of the country to check the predatory enemy; yet, under these aggravaling circumstances, it is to be lamented that there are a few individuals, who, in degradation of the American character, would wade through the innocent blood of their countrymen, to increase their fortunes. Such men would not hesitate to hazaid reputation, yield the love of country, and prostrate national honor, nay, any thing held dear by men of principle and patriotism, for the paltry cousideration of a few cents, The measure of forbearance is filled to the brim, therefore, it is not to be supposed that men living among us, not only hostile to the government, but deaf to the dictates of humanity, will be suffered to have an agency in the perpetration of the misdeeds of the enemy, by affording them means of support. Those who attempt it must look to the conscquence.
A SUBSCRIBER.
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* Accounts have already been published of his having died of his wounds.