HEAD QUARTERS
Fort Crum, Dec. 19th. 1835

Sir-The troops under my command, took up the line of march on yesterday morning, to scour out the Wacahoota and adjacent hammocks, and not wishing to be encumbered with baggage, I dispatched baggage wagons to take the direct rout for Wetumpka, via Micanopy; on arriving at the Kanapaha Prairie, I immediately too Capt. McLemore’s and Capt. Lancaster’s companies, and pursed on the trail, and on arrival at Benj. Warren’s, found his house in flames, passing on we found that a body of Indians, fifty or sixty in number, had attacked and captured our baggage as it passed over the Prairie, and set the wagon on fire. The office in command of the baggage train, with several of the escort had retired to Micanopy, and I have not been able to ascertain correctly, what loss has been sustained: two Sergeants and four men have returned to Camp un-hurt, and one Sergeant and one private belonging to Captain M’Lemore’s Company, mortally wounded, still lingering at this fort. I am not able to make a more correct return, as I am unadvised of the numbers who have escaped to Micanopy, but will make a more full return as soon as possible. By this unfortunate affair, all our papers, such as orders, reports, etc. and all our ammunition, surgical instruments, etc., are lost.      Gen. Call with his reinforcement, is expected here today, and as I am assured that the whole body of Indians are in the Wacahoota and adjacent hammocks; the sign is great, and from the force seen in different parties, we are assured that they are all here. I think it advisable that you send all the regular force, to cooperate with us immediately. The fighting is to be done here. We are in want of ammunition and camp equipage, having, as I before stated, lost all in our wagons.

                  Yours respectfully,

                     John Warren

                  Co. and Com Mil. In service.

                  Gen. D. L. Clinch.