HISTORY

January 22, 1814
Emuckfau Creek

After the battle of Talladega, Jackson was plagued by supply shortages, his cavalry had deserted and his remaining men threatened to return home at the end of their short term enlistments. By the end of 1813 Jackson was down to a single regiment whose enlistments were due to expire in mid January. Although, Governor Blount had ordered a new levee of 2,500 troops, Jackson would not be up to full strength until the end of February. When a draft of 900 raw recruits unexpectedly arrived on January 14, Jackson was down to a cadre of 103.

Since new men had 60-day enlistment agreements, Jackson decided to get the most out of this new 900-man force. He departed Ft. Struther on the January 17 and marched toward the village of Emuckfaw to cooperate with the Georgia Militia and a party of friendly Creeks.

On January 22, 1814 Jackson was encamped a few miles from Emuckfaw. Jackson expected at attack and kept his men at the ready the entire night of the 21. At 6AM, a strong force of Red Sticks attacked Jackson's position, but were driven off after about thirty minutes. Jackson sent Coffee with a force of 400 to burn the Indian camp. Upon arrival, Coffee saw that the village was too strong to be taken without artillery and lead his men back to the main camp to escort the cannon into position. Seeing the Americans fall back, the Red Sticks attacked again.

Coffee at once asked and obtained leave to lead 200 men in an immediate counterattack, but only 54 men actually followed Coffee. Attacking, they fired two or three Volleys, and then launched a bayonet charge . . . most rare for an American unit. The Red Sticks broke, and fled in confusion, hotly pursued some distance; and the friendly Creeks, unable to withstand the temptation, left their positions and joined in the chase, all the while pouring a harassing fire upon the fugitives.

Coffee was seriously wounded after the counter attack, but the Creeks were driven off. Based on the large force of Red Sticks, Jackson decided he had no choice but to withdraw to Ft. Struther.