It was fight or surrender.

Ahead of the American infantry brigades moved Johnson's mounted Kentuckians, armed with muskets, rifles, knives, and tomahawks, and led by a resourceful and enterprising soldier.

Procter was compelled to form his lines of battle across the road on the north bank of the Thames or permit this formidable American cavalry to trample his straggling ranks under hoof.

Tecumseh's Indians, stationed in a swamp, covered his right flank and the river covered his left.

Harrison came upon the enemy early in the afternoon of the 5th of October and formed his line of battle.