It was a peremptory demand for unconditional surrender.

Hamilton refused, and fighting was fiercely resumed from behind rude breastworks meantime erected.

Every loop-hole and opening of whatever sort was the focus into which the unerring backwoods rifles sent their deadly bullets.

Men began to fall in the fort, and every moment Hamilton expected an assault in force on all sides of the stockade.

This, if successful, would mean inevitable massacre.