General: I have the honor to report that yesterday morning a party of Indians, estimated at 150 or 200 made their appearance in front of this place, at the distance of about three quarters of a mile. Their object was evidently to draw us out: and not having any disposition to baulk their view, I directed captain Lee to take his company and skirt a hammock on the right of this post, and gain the left of the enemy. At the same time I directed Lieut. Wheelock to mount with is dragoons, and make a corresponding movement on the left, and Lieut. Humphreys, with a detachment of D and E companies of the 2d United State Artillery, to move across a field in front, holding a six pounder with a few men in reserve.

   The promptitude with which my orders were compiled with, brought the three detachments immediately in contact with the enemy. Seeing the heavy fire of the enemy, I became at once satisfied that they were treble our numbers, and immediately moved forward with the six pounder. The horses not being well broke, I was obliged to cast loose the prologue. I had hardly done this and while waiting a flank movement of Lieut. Wheelock to unmask the six pounder, when I received a message that the Indians were coming in the rear of this place. Having left a few teamsters and citizens in charge of the work I deemed it proper to move back with the gun; and gave the directions accordingly. Taking myself a short route across a field, I arrived a few moments before the gun; and finding the report to be untrue, I directed Lieutenant Talcot, 3d artillery, to return to the fired at full speed, while with a few men r reconnoitered the rear of our position.

   After an hour and twenty minutes hard fighting under a broiling sun, our troops returned, having driving the enemy two miles into their strongholds. The gallantry and good conduct of both officers and men is beyond all commendation I am able to bestow; and it is with deep regret I have to report Captain Lee, 3d artillery, severely but not dangerously wounded. He was shot early in the action, but directed his men to press forward, which they did manfully.

   I enclose Dr. Maffit’s report; and let me express my acknowledgements to Mr. Center, a resident of this place, for his unremitting kindness and attention to our wounded men, and ourselves generally.

   Some individual acts of gallantry will form a special report, from the officers immediately in command of the troops.

   I received 800 rounds of cartridges last night from Fort Drane, and shall move there tomorrow morning. Lieutenant Burke, 3d artillery, with his company, reached that place at 11 o’clock last night. I shall write you on my arrival there.

  I am, very respectfully,

          Your obedient servant,

                 J. F. HEILEMAN

          Major 2d United States Artillery

The Pensacola Gazette, July 7th, 1836