There were one hundred and eighty-six friendly Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians, who had enlisted in the army.

They formed a band by themselves under their own chiefs.

They were all nearly naked, gorgeously painted, and decorated with the very brilliant attire of the warrior, with crimson-colored plumes, and moccasins and leggins richly fringed, and dyed in bright and strongly contrasting hues.

These savages were in the enjoyment of their greatest delight, drinking to frenzy, and performing their most convulsive dances, around the flaming fires.
In addition to this spectacle which met the eye, there were sounds of revelry which fell almost appallingly upon the ear.

The wide expanse reverberated with bacchanal songs, and drunken shouts, and frenzied war-whoops.