The bank was high, leaving a slight level space or meadow between it and the stream.

Here the hostile Indians were encamped, and concealed from any approaches from the north.

It was at midnight, on the 7th of December, that Jackson set out on this expedition.

He had with him, for the occasion, a very strong force, consisting of twelve hundred infantry and eight hundred cavalry.
When they reached the fort, the army divided, passing on each side, and again uniting beyond, as they approached the concealed encampment of the enemy.

While passing the fort, the friendly Indians clambered the palisades, and shouted out joyously to the soldiers "How-de-do, brother--how-de-do, brother ?" The lines, meeting beyond the fort, formed for battle.