In this way they had moved along about six miles, when the two spies in front came rushing breathlessly back, with the tidings that they had discovered a camp of Creek Indians.

They halted for a few moments while all examined their guns and their priming and prepared for battle.
The Indians went through certain religious ceremonies, and getting out their war-paint, colored their bodies anew.

They then came to Major Russell, and told him that, as he was to lead them in the battle, he must be painted too.

He humored them, and was painted in the most approved style of an Indian warrior.

The plan of battle was arranged to strike the Indian camp by surprise, when they were utterly unprepared for any resistance.