[Dec.] 3. Went forward, crossed the Ocklawaha at the lower end of a lake on a temporary bridge constructed by General Eustis. Soon after captured an Indian from whom information was obtained of the situation of a negro village at the head of the lake. Detached Lt. Col. Caulfield with two companies of his battalion, accompanied by Capt. Crossman and Lieut. Chambers, also by an interpreter and the Indian prisoner. Genl. J. moved forward with the remainder of the command about five miles, encamped on a beautiful lake. Lt. Col. Caulfield returned about 9 p.m. with forty one negro prisoners, having surprised the village, captured the greater part of its inhabitants, and burnt the houses and the property which they could not bring in.

Dec. 4. Proceeded toward Volusia with the Prisoners. Passed over a desert and sandy country covered with scrub oak – until within eight or ten miles of the St. John’s – when the land became in many places boggy, and the road, consequently, extremely bad. Arrived at Gov. Calls camp near the St Johns about 4 p.m. Found here the Tennisseans, Indian Warriors from the Creek Country, and a few regular troops. The camp was dirty, and the position evidently unhealthy. Gov. Call had commanded a work to protect the stores at Volusia.