clothed with willows and brush wood. On the left of the encampment, this bench of land became wider; on the right it gradually narrowed, and terminated in an abrupt point, about one hundred and fifty yards from the right flank. The two columns of infantry occupied the front and rear. The right flank being about eighty yards wide, was filled with captain Spencer's company of eighty men. The left flank, about one hundred and fifty yards in extent, was composed of three companies of mounted riflemen, under major general [Samuel] Wells,[1] commanding as a major. The front line was composed of one battalion of United States' infantry, under the command of major Floyd, flanked on the right by two companies of militia infantry, under captain [W. C.] Baen, commanding as a major; and four companies of militia infantry, under lieutenant colonel [Luke] Decker;[2] the regulars being stationed next the riflemen under Wells, and the militia on the other end of the line adjoining Spencer's company. The cavalry under Daveiss were encamped in the rear of the front line and the left flank. The encampment was not more than three fourths of a mile from the town.
The order given to the army, in the event of a night attack, was for each corps to maintain its ground at all hazards till relieved. The dragoons were directed in such a case, to parade dismounted, with their swords on and their pistols in their belts, and to wait for orders. The guard for the night consisted of two captain's commands of twenty four men and four non-commissioned officers; and two subalterns' guards of twenty men and non-commissioned officers—the whole under the command of a field officer of the day.
Taylor to National Intelligencer February 22, 1817 Niles Register, XII, 90 The above account taken from McAffee's History of the War in the Western Country, as it relates to the situation of
- ↑ Samuel Wells was a well known Kentucky Indian fighter. He advanced with Harrison to the relief of Fort Wayne in 1812, led the detachment which destroyed the village of Five Medals on Elkhart river, and marched with Winchester to the Raisin, but had returned for reinforcements.
- ↑ Luke Decker came from Va. to Knox Co. Ind. before 1783. He was a slave holder and brought his slaves with him. Decker was in office or connected with the public service throughout his life. In politics he supported Harrison. History of Knox County (1886).
