On their approach, a few Indians who had shown themselves on the opposite side of the creek, fled with precipitation.
[Footnote 56: In his official letter, General St.Clair says that the ground would not admit a larger interval.] At this place, the general intended to throw up a slight work for the security of the baggage; and, after being joined by Major Hamtranck, to march as unincumbered, and as expeditiously as possible, to the villages he purposed to destroy.
In both these designs he was anticipated.

About half an hour before sun rise the next morning, just after the troops had been dismissed from the parade, an unexpected attack was made upon the militia, who fled in the utmost confusion, and rushing into camp through the first line of continental troops, which had been formed the instant the first gun was discharged, threw them too into disorder.

The exertions of the officers to restore order were not entirely successful.

The Indians pressed close upon the heels of the flying militia, and engaged General Butler with great intrepidity.

The action instantly became extremely warm; and the fire of the assailants, passing round both flanks of the first line, was, in a few minutes, poured with equal fury on the rear division.