back two months before
Both locations were in the present Tallapoosa county. Alabama, within
two miles of the present post village of Tohopeka. Across the neck of
the peninsula the Creeks had built a strong breastwork of logs, behind
which were their houses, and behind these were a number of canoes
moored to the bank for use if retreat became necessary. The fort was
defended by a thousand warriors, with whom were also about three
hundred women and children. Jackson's force numbered about two
thousand men, including, according to his own statement, five hundred
Cherokee. He had also two small cannon. The account of the battle,
or rather massacre, which occurred on the morning of .March •_'". 1814,
is best condensed from the official reports of the principal commanders.
Having arrived in the neighborhood of the fort, Jackson disposed
his menfor the attack by detailing General Coffee with the mounted
men and nearly the whole of the Indian force to cross the river at a
foi-d about three miles below and surround the bend in such manner
that none could escape in that direction. He himself, with the restof
his force, advanced to the front of the breastwork and planted hiscan-
• Fay and Davison, Sketches of the War. pp. 247-250, 1815; Pickett. Alabama, pp. 579-584, reprint of
1896; Drake, Indians, pp. 398-400, 1S80. Piekett says Jackson had "767 men. with mi friendly Indians " ;
Drake says he started with 930 men and was joined at Talladega by 200 friendly Indians; Jackson
himself, as quoted in Fay and Davison, says that In- started with 930 men, excluding Indians, and
was joined at Talladega " by between