The army was on the south side of the river.

The next day the Indians asked permission to cross to the northern bank on an exploring expedition.

Consent was given; but Major Russel decided to go with them, taking a company of sixteen men, of whom Crockett was one.

They crossed the river and encamped upon the other side, seeing no foe and encountering no alarm.

They soon came to a spot where the winding river, overflowing its banks, spread over a wide extent of the flat country.