Arnold, with twenty-seven mounted men, was despatch-
ed with guides in quest of Colonel Butler and his com-
mand, who had not yet joined the wing, having proceed-
ed towards New Smyrna ; as the detachment was pass-
ing through open pine barren woods^ they fell in with a
party of twelve or fifteen Indians, who gave battle ; the
command killed two of the Indians, when the rest effect-
ed their escape. General Eustis reflects with much se-
verity upon the conduct of the Lieutenant in command,
who, in consequence of his horse being shot, gave or-
ders to retreat, when he might have killed the whole party
of the enemy.
The whole force of the left wing being concentrated on
the 26th, on the west side of the St. John's river, oppo-
site to Volusia, orders were issued for the distribution of
thirteen days' rations to each man, and the line of march
to be taken up on the 25th for Pilaklakaha, leaving the
sick and wounded with two companies of Colonel Bris-
bane's regiment, at Volusia, under the command of Ma-
jor William Gates, u. s. a. From the peculiar charac-
ter of the country over which they passed on the 26th
and 27th,* they made but seven miles in the two days.
As they advanced, however, their movements became
more rapid, having marched on the 28th thirteen miles.
