This service being accomplished, the army commenced its march towards fort Washington.

Being desirous of wiping off the disgrace which his arms had sustained, General Harmar halted about eight miles from Chilicothe, and once more detached Colonel Harden with orders to find the enemy and bring on an engagement.

His command consisted of three hundred and sixty men, of whom sixty were regulars commanded by Major Wyllys.

Early the next morning, this detachment reached the confluence of the St.Joseph and St.Mary, where it was divided into three columns.

The left division, commanded by Colonel Harden in person, crossed the St.Joseph, and proceeded up its western bank.