turns
of labour, many seamen were four or five days continually at the
oar. Thus they had not only to bear up against variety of
temperature, but against hunger, fatigue, and want of sleep in
addition; three as fearful burdens as can be laid upon the human
frame. Yet in spite of all this, not a murmur nor a whisper of
complaint could be heard throughout the whole expedition. No man
appeared to regard the present, whilst every one looked forward
to the future. From the General, down to the youngest drum-boy,
a confident anticipation of success seemed to pervade all ranks;
and in the hope of an ample reward in store for them, the toils
and grievances of the moment were forgotten. Nor was this
anticipation the mere offspring of an overweening confidence in
themselves. Several Americans had already deserted, who
entertained us with accounts of the alarm experienced at New
Orleans. They assured us that there were not at present 5000
soldiers in the State; that the principal inhabitants had long
ago left the place; that such as remained were ready to join us
as soon as we should appear among them; and that, therefore, we
might lay our account with a speedy and bloodless conquest. The
same persons likewise dilated upon the wealth and importance of
the town, upon the large quantities of Government stores there
collected, and the rich booty which would reward its capture;
subjects well calculated to tickle the fancy of invaders, and to
make them unmindful of immediate afflictions, in the expectation
of so great a recompense to come.

CHAPTER XIX.

IT is well known that, at the period to which my narrative
refers, an alliance, offensive and defensive, subsisted between
the Government of Great Britain and the heads of as many Indian
nations or tribes as felt the aggressions of the settlers upon
their ancient territories, and were disposed to resent them. On
this side of the continent our principal allies were the Chaktaws
and Cherokees, two nations whom war and famine had reduced from a
state of comparative majesty to the lowest ebb of feebleness and
distress. Driven from hunting-ground to hunting-ground, and
pursued like wild beasts wherever seen, they were now confined to
a narrow tract of country, lying chiefly along the coasts of the
gulf and the borders of the lakes which adjoin to it. For some
time previous to the arrival of the expedition, the warriors of
these tribes put themselves under the command