The Indians held a council, and presently informed Dieskau that they would not attack the fort, which they believed to be provided with cannon, but would join in an attempt on the camp by the lake.

Dieskau judged, from the report of the prisoners, that the colonists considerably outnumbered him, although in fact there was no great difference in numerical strength, the French column numbering 1500 and the colonial force 2200, besides 300 Mohawk Indians.

But Dieskau, emulous of repeating the defeat of Braddock, and believing the assertions of the Canadians that the colonial militia was contemptible, determined to attack, and early in the morning the column moved along the road towards the lake.
When within four miles of Johnson's camp, they entered a rugged valley.
On their right was a gorge, hidden in bushes, beyond which rose the rocky height of French Mountain.

On their left rose gradually the slopes of West Mountain.

The ground was thickly covered with thicket and forest.