From one or two other captured tories, and from a staunch whig friend, they learned the exact disposition of the British and loyalist force, and were told that their noted leader wore a light, parti-colored hunting-shirt; and he was forthwith doomed to be a special target for the backwoods rifles.

When within a mile of the hill a halt was called, and after a hasty council of the different colonels--in which Williams did not take part,--the final arrangements were made, and the men, who had been marching in loose order, were formed in line of battle.

They then rode forward in absolute silence, and when close to the west slope of the battle-hill, beyond King's Creek, drew rein and dismounted.

They tied their horses to trees, and fastened their great coats and blankets to the saddles, for the rain had cleared away.

A few of the officers remained mounted.