The long-continued peace had caused vigilance to slumber.

A number of families resided in the fort, unapprehensive of danger.
One evening, a negro boy, who had been out into the forest at some distance from the fort in search of cattle, came back saying that he saw far in the distance quite a number of Indians, apparently armed warriors.

As it was known that the Creek Indians had been greatly exasperated by recent outrages inflicted upon them, this intelligence created some anxiety.

The gate was carefully closed.

A guard was set through the night, and some slight preparations were made to repel an assault, should one be made.
Thus several days were passed, and there was no attack, and no signs of Indians being near.