The Governor was then at Hockhocking, about 12 or 15 miles below the mouth of the Little Kanhawa, from whence he intended to march his party to a place called Chillicoffee, about 20 miles farther than the towns where it was said the Shawneese had assembled with their families and allies, to make a stand, as they had good houses and plenty of ammunition & provisions & had cleared the woods to a great distance from the place.  His party who were to march from the camp was about 1200, and to join Colo.  Lewis’ party about 28 miles from Chillicoffee.  But whether the action above mentioned would disconcert this plan or not, I think appears a little uncertain, as there is a probability that his excellency on hearing the news might, with his party, fall down the river and join Colo.  Lewis’ party and march together against the enemy.

They were about building a breastwork at the Forks, & after leaving a proper party to take care of the wounded & the provisions there, that Colo.  Lewis could march upwards of a thousand men to join his Lordship, so that the whole when they meet will be about 2200 choice men.  What may be their success God only knows, but it is highly probable the matter is decided before this time.

Colo.  Christian says, from the accounts he had the enemy behaved with inconceivable bravery.  The head men walked about in the time of action, exhorting their men “to be close, shoot well, be strong of fight.”  They had parties planted on the opposite side of both rivers to shoot our men as they swam over, not doubting, as is supposed, but they would gain a complete victory.  In the evening late they called to our men “that they had 2000 men for them to-morrow, and that they had 1100 men now as well as they.”  They also made very merry about a treaty.

Poor Colo.  Charles Lewis was shot on a clear piece of ground, as he had not taken a tree, encouraging his men to advance.  On being wounded he handed his gun to a person nigh him and retired to the camp, telling his men as he passed “I am wounded but go on and be brave.”  If the loss of a good man a sincere friend, and a brave officer, claims a tear, he certainly is entitled to it.

Colo.  Fields was shot at a great tree by two Indians on his right, while one on his left was amusing him with talk and the Colo.  Endeavoring to get a shot at him.

Besides the loss the troops met with in action by Colo.  Fleming who was obliged to retire from the field, which was very great, the wounded met with the most irreparable loss in an able and skillful surgeon.  Colo.  Christian says that his (Flemings) lungs or part of them came out of the wound in his breast but were pushed back; and by the last part of his letter, which was dated the 16th. instant, he has some hopes of his recovery.

Thus, sir, I have given you an account of the action from the several letters I recd., and have only to add, that Colo.  Christian desires me to inform Mrs. Christian of his welfare, which with great pleasure I do through this channel, and should any further news come, which I much expect soon, I shall take the earliest oppy. of communicating the same to you.  It is believed the troops will surely return in Nov.