Three only of Dale's companions figured with him in the canoe fight, and they alone need mentioning by name.

These were, first Jerry Austill, the young man already spoken of, who was six feet two inches high, slender but strong, and active as a cat; second, James Smith, a man of firm frame and dauntless spirit; and third Caesar, a negro man, who conducted himself with a courage and coolness fairly entitling him to bear the name of the great Roman warrior.
The expedition left Fort Glass on the 11th of November, 1823.

Tandy Walker was its guide, and every man in the party knew that Tandy was not likely to be long in leading them to a place where Indians were plentiful.

He knew every inch of country round about, and nothing pleased him so well as a battle in any shape.

The day after they left Fort Glass, Dale's men reached the river at a point eighteen miles below the present town of Clairborne, and about fifteen miles below the root fortress.