Witherspoon undertook the adventure himself.

Creeping up to the encampment, he found that they slept at the butt of a pine tree, which had been torn up by the roots.

Their guns were piled against one of its branches at a little distance from them.

These he first determined to secure, and, still creeping, with the skill and caution of an experienced scout, he succeeded in his object.

The guns once in his possession, he aroused the Tories by commanding their surrender.