Major Russel was anxious to have the supplies that very night dispatched to him, lest the Indians should hear of their danger and should escape.
But Colonel Blue did not approve of the expedition.

There was no evidence that the Indian encampment consisted of anything more than half a dozen wigwams, where a few inoffensive savages, with their wives and children, were eking out a half-starved existence by hunting, fishing, and digging up roots from the forest.

It did not seem wise to send an army of two hundred and sixteen men to carry desolation and woe to such humble homes.

Crockett was ordered to return with this message to the Major.

Military discipline, then and there, was not very rigid.
He hired another man to carry back the unwelcome answer in his place.
In the light canoe the three men rapidly ascended the sluggish stream.
Just as the sun was rising over the forest, they reached the camp of Major Russell.