and finish the scene according to their
style of battle, which spared neither women nor children. It is not
pleasant to record such a measure. They crept along, concealed by the
forest, and guided by the sound of pounding, till they caught sight of
the camp. A little to their chagrin they found that it consisted of two
peaceful wigwams, where there was a man, a woman, and several children.
The wigwams were also on an island of the river, which could not be
approached without boats. There could not be much glory won by an army
of two hundred men routing such a party and destroying their home.
There was also nothing to indicate that these Indians had even any
unfriendly feelings. The man and woman were employed in bruising what
was called brier root, which they had dug from the forest, for food. It
seems that this was the principal subsistence used by the Indians in
that vicinity.

While the soldiers were deliberating what next to do, they heard a gun
fired in the direction of the scouts, at some distance on the right,
followed by a single shrill war-whoop. This satisfied them that if the
scouts had met with a foe, it was indeed war on a small scale. There
seemed no need for any special caution. They all broke and ran toward
the spot from which the sounds came. They soon met two of the spies,
who told the following not very creditable story, but one highly
characteristic of the times.

As they were creeping along through the forest, they found two Indians,
who they said were Creeks, out hunting. As they were approaching each
other, it so happened that there was a dense cluster of bushes between
them, so that they were within a few feet of meeting before either
party was discovered. The two spies were Choctaws. They advanced
directly to the Indians, and addressed them in the most friendly
manner; stating that they had belonged to General Jackson's army, but
had escaped, and were on their way home. They shook hands, kindled a
fire, and sat down and smoked in apparent perfect cordiality.

One of the Creeks had a gun. The other had only a bow and arrows. After
this friendly interview, they rose and took leave of each other, each
going in opposite directions. As soon as their backs were turned, and
they were but a few feet from each other, one of the Choctaws turned
around and shot the unsuspecting Creek who had the gun. He fell dead,
without a groan. The other Creek attempted to escape, while the other
Choctaw snapped his