To test whether or not they were hostile, a single shot was fired over them.

They at once opened a heavy fire on the party and, at the same time, Captain Townshend became engaged with some of the enemy who were in hiding among rocks--evidently in considerable strength.

It was subsequently discovered that, very shortly after Captain Campbell's party left the fort, and before hostilities began, the enemy had opened fire on the fort, and had crossed the river.
Captain Baird now advanced across the mouth of the ravine, and charged up the spur; the enemy retreating before them, firing as they went.

Captain Baird fell, mortally wounded; and Lieutenant Gurdon, who had carried a message to him, was left in command.

The enemy descended into the ravine and, crossing to the left bank, took Gurdon in rear.
In the meantime, affairs had not been going well with Captain Townshend's party.