Having reached a place called Twelve-mile River, within twenty miles of the Indian town of Estatoee, he advanced by night upon it, secretly, and with a view to its surprise.

In his march, surrounding the town of Little Keowee, not a warrior of the Cherokees escaped the sword.
His success was less complete at Estatoee.

The Indians, apprised of his approach, with few exceptions, succeeded in making their escape; but the town, consisting of more than two hundred houses, and well stored with corn, hogs, poultry and ammunition, perished in the flames.

Shugaw Town and every other settlement in the "Lower Nation", shared the same fate.

The lightning-like rapidity of the march had taken the savages everywhere, in this part of the country, by surprise.