The Battle at Horseshoe Bend

by Michael Aye

  Finally, a last war whoop was heard, the gurgle of a punctured lung gave way to the chilled coldness of death, the creek’s waters ran red and it was dotted with bodies. The soldiers on the creek bank opened up a space as the men on horseback returned. A cheer went up from men glad to be alive. Jackson personally thanked the men who’d turned the battle with the counterattack. He then spotted the two colonels who ran, deserting their men at the creek bank. Lieupo happened to be the closest officer to Jackson when he spotted the colonels.

  “Captain Lieupo.”

  “Sir.”

  “Arrest those two. They will be held for court martial once we reach Fort Strother.” Without another word, Jackson turned and rode away.

  Henry, who’d heard Jackson’s orders, as did most everyone else, sidled his horse up next to Lieupo. Taking his pipe from his mouth he spat and said, “Lucky, damn lucky they are. It’s a wonder Andy didn’t just up and shoot ’em down his own self. Save time wid a court martial, it’d seem.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The return trip to Fort Strother was without further event. “I don’t understand it,” Captain Lieupo said as the army halted at sundown. “I doubt we could have driven off another attack.”

  “Jackson’s medicine is big,” Moses said. “The Red Sticks have attacked three times. While we lost some men and more were wounded, the Red Sticks have suffered significant losses as well. They thought that they had us at the creek.”

  “And they almost did,” Henry interjected. “Well, the surprise was theirs, but we turned the rout and they lost heavily. I saw as many Indians floating in the creek as I did soldiers.”

  “Can’t deny that,” Lieupo replied.

  “Where’s your charges?” Jonah asked Lieupo, realizing the two colonels were not present.

  “Jackson had Captain Reid take charge of them,” Lieupo replied.

  “What do you think will happen to them, Henry?”

  “I don’t know, Jonah. Andy has been known to order a man shot, but two colonels. They may be cowards but they didn’t become colonels without backing from somebody. Andy ain’t dumb, he’s got political ambition if you ask me. Shooting two colonels ain’t gonna help him none, and he knows that. I ’spect they’ll be sent home with the full understanding they got off easy and they likely need to find another profession.”

  “Well, everyone isn’t cut out to be soldiers,” Jonah said.

  “Naw, they ain’t,” Henry agreed. “They ain’t the first to run from an Indian attack either.”

  -

  The army started on the trail at first light the next morning. A fine mist hung in the air, and when the sun was fully up, the sky was gray. Leaves had fallen from the hardwood trees, creating a carpet of sorts across the trail. Wounded men cried out in pain when they hit bumps in the trail, bouncing the wagons or travois on which they lay. General Coffee made the trip in silence, gritting his teeth and grimacing rather than crying out. Just before noon, the army halted and buried two more men. After the quick burials, the men ate cold biscuits, jerky, and drank water.

  “Not much of a meal for a marching army,” Jonah said.

  “Been this way since the onset; supplies always short in coming and when they do arrive, generally it ain’t enough,” Henry said. “I’ve said it before; it’s hard to get a man to fight on an empty stomach.”

  “This weather don’t help the misery none either,” Moses added, flexing his knee trying to get the ache and stiffness out.

  The mist turned into a drizzle in the early afternoon. The wind picked up and pine trees began to sway. A whispering sound came from the swaying pines. They made camp an hour earlier than usual. Jonah watched Jackson stiffly dismount his horse and stumble when his feet touched the ground. He was rubbing his shoulder and his face was pale. The man was obviously in pain yet he didn’t utter a sound.

  Tents were pitched for the wounded and the general. Campfires were started with what little dry wood could be found. When wet wood was added, a sizzling sound could be heard and steam rose up. Soon, however, several large fires were going. Henry, Crockett, Lemuel, and a few others struck out to find some game. At dark, the three returned with two deer. Not a feast, as there were so many to feed, but it did help. A broth made for the wounded seemed to perk them up some.

  Jackson visited with the wounded, “Hold on men. We will be at the fort tomorrow and you can fill your belly with a hot meal and sleep on a real cot.” It was amazing how much effect the general’s positive words had on the men.

  -

  The rain was gone the next morning and while it was cool, the sky was clear and there was very little wind. The last of the biscuits were served as breakfast. Henry had been saving the coffee grounds. This was the third time they’d been used, so the coffee was little more than colored water, but it was warm. Crockett had a bag with a couple teaspoons left of ground up chicory in it.

  “This might help a tad,” he said as he tossed the bag to Moses. Dumping the chicory into the boiling water, Moses thanked Crockett and said, “It can’t hurt.”

  The chicory coffee was much stronger with a slight bitter taste. Taking a sip of the hot brew, Henry looked up at Crockett, “Much obliged, Davy. I’ll stand you a tankard when we get to the fort.”

  “I’ll hold you to it,” Crockett replied, “but it better be quick. I heard Russell will be sending out patrols in a day or two.”

  “Do tell,” Henry snorted. “What are we going to be looking for? We know where the damn Red Sticks are. We left a trail of graves to mark the way.”

  Crockett just shrugged and then looked at Jonah. “Captain Russell says you and Moses are to look him up once we get back to the fort, Jonah. Seems Andy sets store by you and wants you present for a meeting.” Jonah nodded and saluted Crockett with his cup of chicory.

  “More than likely wants us out of his hair,” Moses volunteered.

  “I don’t think so,” Jonah answered. “Unlike with General Harrison, I think Jackson really welcomes us.”

  Seeing the question on Henry’s face, Moses explained, “General Harrison didn’t like the president sending a man to push him against the British up in the northwest and Canada.”

  “If Harrison and Jonah hadn’t served together under General Wayne, Harrison would probably have sent Jonah packing,” Lieupo said.

  Now how does he know that? Jonah thought for a second and then remembered Lieupo’s connection to Captain Hampton. Spies, he thought to himself. Was that what he and Moses were turning into…spies?

  -

  Supplies and new rations had arrived at Fort Strother during their absence. Jackson ordered a large meal for all the men. The wounded were taken to the hospital where the surgeons busied themselves. Wounds were cleaned and redressed. A few arms and legs had to be removed. By nightfall the rest of the men were well sated. Good food, rest, and contraband corn squeezing did a lot to restore the men’s spirits. Crockett even had a crowd gathered around listening to his lies and tales of derring-do.

  Jonah, Moses, and Lieupo met up with Captain Russell and accompanied him to General Jackson’s quarters. Upon entering, each man was offered a cup of coffee. Either Jackson didn’t imbibe or there were no spirits to be had…other than the contraband.

  “Come in,” Jackson said, greeting the men. As soon as the men were seated, Jackson asked, “What do you make of our recent action? Would you call it a defeat?”

  Russell seem to hesitate before he answered, giving Jonah the chance to speak. “I think the answer would depend on the objective in which the march was undertaken, General. If the objective was to wipe out the Red Sticks, we failed. However, I doubt that was our objective. If it was to take raw recruits and turn them into soldiers, we succeeded. If the objective was to meet the enemy and bring them to action, we succeeded. If it was to test our firepower against the enemy’s weapons, we succeeded. We were attacked by superior numbers three times. We drove the enemy off three times. The men have been bloodied and seasoned. You have fou
nd your strength and weaknesses in both the men and officers. You have answered a lot of questions. I would say you have a tactical victory, sir.”

  Jackson smiled. “Do you agree, Captain Russell?”

  “In all aspects, General.”

  “Thank you, men. Now let’s get down to why I requested your presence. We have a group of settlers that need a scout to accompany them to Fort Armstrong. I’m sure you have someone who will serve, Captain Russell.”

  “Yes sir, Henry Parrish knows the trail well. I can send him.”

  Jackson nodded as he sipped on his coffee. Setting the cup down, he cleared his throat and spoke again. “I’m expecting the U.S. 39th Infantry any day. When they arrive I intend to mount an offensive to end the Red Stick problem. Until the 39th arrives, I need to know what’s happening, to be kept aware of the Indians’ movements and actions.”

  “We can handle that,” Russell said. Jackson nodded again.

  “I’d like to accompany the captain, if I may, sir?” Jonah asked.

  Jackson nodded once more, a smile on his face. “I was sure you would, Mr. Lee.” Turning his head toward Lieupo, he added, “and you may go as well, Captain.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  Once outside the general’s quarters, Moses punched Jonah in the arm. “All these willing maidens waiting on me and you go volunteering us to hit the trail again. I tell you, Jonah, sometimes I question your common sense.”

  “Amen to that,” Lieupo added. “You didn’t have to volunteer.”

  Jonah said defensively, “Yeah! If I hadn’t, what would I have looked like? Well, you two have the night,” Jonah responded with a smile.

  “Well, let’s don’t be wasting it,” Lieupo said. “Come on, Moses, lead the way.” With that, the two marched off toward the gate.

  “Deserted you, didn’t they?”

  Turning, Jonah was face to face with Jackson. “They’ll be back in the morning.”

  “Well, since you have lost your comrades, come in,” Jackson replied. “Reid has confiscated a jug we should uncork and try.”

  “By all means, General,” Jonah replied and followed the general back into his quarters.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Henry had been absolutely right about Crockett. The loud, boisterous man in camp was a consummate woodsman. Russell had sent out several scouting parties of four men each. Henry snorted and grumbled about being saddled with a bunch of pilgrims, but in the end he did as he was told. Jonah had always considered himself a good woodsman, not as good as Moses, but better than most. So it was with infinite wisdom he decided Crockett was not only good, he was better than Jonah and near as good as Moses.

  The men had been on the trail for four days. They followed the Coosa River and had taken the precaution of cooking only one meal a day. After they cooked, they covered the signs as well as possible and moved on, never tarrying long at the cook site. They were nearing Fort Williams when the smell of wood smoke alerted them. Turning west away from the river, the men followed a cut in the forest.

  Crockett halted suddenly then turned south. The four had not gone far when Crockett held up his hand for the men to halt again. He had a scowl on his face and his nostrils seemed to flare. Jonah immediately picked up the scent. The sickly smell of burnt flesh and death filled the air. Long rifles were cocked and ready as the men warily picked their way through the forest toward the stench. Noises could be heard: whites and Indians, screams and laughter. Crockett suddenly ducked down with the rest of the men following suit. A group of Red Stick warriors thundered past, whooping and hollering. Each of the riders had fresh scalps, dripping blood as they swung back and forth on the lances they were tied to. The warriors were all naked except for loin cloths, their skin painted red and spattered with blood.

  Once the horsemen were out of sight, the men hit the trail again. A dead cow was lying across the trail, a tomahawk still embedded in her head, blood oozed from her nostrils. Flies already were buzzing around the pool of blood. Leaping over the cow, Crockett followed a bend in the trail where he halted so quickly, the other men almost collided with him. A boy lay on the ground. He looked to be about twelve.

  “He was probably bringing the cow in,” Crockett whispered.

  The boy had been scalped and horribly mutilated. Stepping over the boy, the men quickly came to the edge of a clearing. A man lay beside a well. Like the boy, he’d been scalped but he’d also been emasculated. Sticks protruded from empty eye sockets. Just past him lay another boy about eight or ten years old. Beside the boy lay a woman. In addition to being scalped, their arms and legs had been broken and lay at odd angles.

  “They do like to play, don’t they?” Crockett hissed.

  “I hope they were dead first,” Lieupo said.

  “Me too,” Moses responded and then added, “But I wouldn’t count on it.”

  Over by the porch a dog lay. The poor animal had so many arrows in him he looked like a porcupine. Jonah felt his throat tighten and felt clogged up. He needed a drink of water. The cabin had partly burned.

  “They must have had water inside to put out the fire,” Lieupo said.

  Jonah nodded, “Maybe the three at the well were trying to get more water.”

  Hearing a noise, the men looked up. A figure stood in the doorway of the ruined cabin…a naked teenage girl. From the blood around her midsection it was obvious that she had been raped. Her arms were outstretched where they had been tied to a limb. Someone had jabbed an arrow across and through her buttocks. Little sticks had been stuck under her eyelids to prop them open.

  “Help me,” the girl begged. Her lips were swollen and bloody. “Help me,” her voice hardly more than a whisper.

  Jonah spoke softly, “You’re safe now. We will not let any more harm come to you. Steve,” He said using Lieupo’s first name, “see if you can find some brandy or liquor. Moses, if you’ll help me, we’ll see if we can help this lady.”

  Crockett looked pale. He swallowed and said, “I’ll keep a lookout.”

  Leaving the girl’s arms tied as so to keep her from flailing about, Moses broke the head off the arrow and jerked the shaft from the girl’s buttocks. They had calmly explained to the girl what they intended beforehand. She nodded her understanding. When the arrow was pulled free, she only gave a little cry. Blood flowed freely, which Jonah thought was a good thing.

  “Helps wash away the poison,” he whispered to Moses.

  With the arrow out, the men laid the girl down. Using his canteen, Jonah washed the girl’s eyes out. He had to talk to the girl in a soothing manner, continuing to explain what he and Moses were doing. After washing out her eyes, the men took out the sticks holding the eyelids open. Jonah pulled down on the lower lid while Moses pulled up on the upper lid. With his free hand, Jonah removed the sharpened stick from her eye. After washing the eye out again, they repeated the process for the other eye. The girl blinked her eyes several times and tears began to fall. Sitting the girl up, they cut the ropes that held her arms outstretched.

  Lieupo was soon back. “I found this in the barn,” he said. The jug was half full. Passing the jug to the girl, she took a long, deep pull causing the men to look at each other. Coughing, the girl brought the jug down, with tears running down her face she said, “I wish I could stay drunk forever.”

  Moses reached for the jug and poured some of the fiery liquid over the arrow wounds on the girl’s buttocks.

  “Damn,” the girl hissed, causing the men to look at each other again. “I need to get some clothes,” she said as she looked down at her bruised breasts and realized she had nothing on.

  “I’ll get you something,” Lieupo volunteered.

  “No, I’ll do it. I need to ah…look down there.” They immediately understood.

  The girl stood, and as she made her way in the cabin door, she stopped. Motioning with her sore arms, she spoke to Jonah, “You come, I might need some help.”

  The two were gone for several minutes before Jonah returned. He
picked up the near empty jug and then disappeared again. From inside the cabin, a yelp of pain was heard followed by another damn. After hearing rumbling around in the cabin, Jonah and the girl returned. She was wearing a shirt that was tight and pants that were a little too large. Her brother’s, Moses figured. Finding a battered hat, the girl put it on. Jonah had brushed the girl’s hair as well as he could with a broken brush, but it still looked out of sorts. The hat would cover it some and make the girl feel better. At least she was covered.

  “Gentlemen,” Jonah said as the men gathered about. “This is Mary. Mary, this is Moses, Captain Stephen Lieupo and Davy Crockett.”

  “Pleased to meet you,” the girl humbly whispered. “Thank you for helping me.”

  “Well, where to?” Crockett asked sensing the need to change the subject before the girl broke down.

  “She has family at Fort Williams,” Jonah said. “How close is it?”

  “Closer than Fort Strother,” Crockett replied.

  “Well, let’s be on our way,” Lieupo said.

  Moving out, the men picked up the trail toward the fort. Keeping the river to their right, the men made good time, but thinking of the girl, they did not push it. Taking a chance, they built a fire at dusk and cooked a mess of fish that Lieupo and Moses caught. Keeping to their habit after eating, the group moved out. After another thirty minutes on the trail, they found a good site and made camp. The group was again on the trail before the sun rose. They made it to Fort Williams by mid-morning.

  Mary’s people were there as expected, and it was a bittersweet reunion. After making a detailed report to the fort’s commanding officer, the men ate a big meal and decided to layover until the next morning. Jonah stopped by and checked on Mary before they turned in for the evening. The girl wept as she thanked Jonah for all they had done. “I’ll see you off in the morning,” she promised.

  “No, you rest,” Jonah said.

  Finally, the girl agreed to rest. However, as the men left the next morning she was standing at the gate. She hugged each of the men and again thanked them. As they made their way out the gate, she called out, “You be careful, Jonah Lee, you be careful.”