With these savages the Seminoles joined
forces, and Cat-sha, whose fame as a bold warrior had spread over the
entire land, was given command of the little army thus formed.
When they made their attack and were driven back from the walls of the
fort by the terrifying roar of its great guns, it was Cat-sha who
planned the ambush that so nearly proved fatal to Simon, the armorer,
and his men. So well had he contrived the movements of his savage
forces that but for a sudden and unexpected attack from behind he would
certainly have captured the fort.
Rene's anxiety for the safety of his countrymen, when he discovered
that the Seminoles were moving towards the fort, caused him to urge
upon Yah-chi-la-ne the need of all possible haste in the hope of
overtaking them. The Alachuas were as anxious as he to come into
contact with their Seminole enemies, and so rapidly did they travel
that they finally entered the River of May in time to hear the thunder
of guns from the fort when the first attack of the savages was repulsed.
Landing some distance below the fort, and leaving only a few warriors
in charge of the canoes, the rest of the little band proceeded with the
utmost caution up the river bank until they came in sight of the tall
shell mound. Here they remained concealed, while scouts were sent out
to discover the exact condition of affairs. Gliding with wonderful
ease and silence amid the dense underbrush, these went, and, at the end
of two hours returned.
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