The number of troops on the regular establishment was totally insufficient for the protection of the frontier, and effective service from the militia was found to be unattainable.

The Indians, who were divided into small parties, concealed themselves with so much dexterity, as seldom to be perceived until the blow was struck.

Their murders were frequently committed in the very neighbourhood of the forts; and the detachments from the garrisons, employed in scouring the country, were generally eluded, or attacked to advantage.

In one of these skirmishes, the Americans were routed, and Captain Mercer was killed.

The people either abandoned the country, or attempted to secure themselves in small stockade forts, where they were in great distress for provisions, arms, and ammunition; were often surrounded, and sometimes cut off.