against
the whites, they would utterly demolish the fort and take all their
provisions and ammunition. The Creeks were in sufficient strength to
accomplish their threat.

The friendly Indians asked for three days to consider the proposition.
They stated that if, at the end of this time, they did not come out to
join them in an expedition against the whites, they would surrender the
fort. The request was granted. Instantly an Indian runner was
dispatched to inform General Jackson, at Fort Strother, of their danger
and to entreat him to come to their aid. Hence the sudden movement.

The Creek warriors had their scouts out, carefully watching, and were
speedily apprised of the approach of General Jackson's band.
Immediately they sent word into the fort, to the friendly Indians
there, that the American soldiers were coming, with many fine horses,
and richly stored with guns, blankets, powder, bullets, and almost
everything else desirable. They promised that if the Indians would come
out from the fort, and help them attack and conquer the whites, they
would divide the rich plunder with them. They assured them that, by
thus uniting, they could easily gain the victory over the whites, who
were the deadly foes of their whole race. The appeal was not responded
to.

A little south of the fort there was a stream, which, in its circuitous
course, partially encircled it. The bank was high, leaving a slight
level space or meadow between it and the stream. Here the hostile
Indians were encamped, and concealed from any approaches from the
north. It was at midnight, on the 7th of December, that Jackson set out
on this expedition. He had with him, for the occasion, a very strong
force, consisting of twelve hundred infantry and eight hundred cavalry.

When they reached the fort, the army divided, passing on each side, and
again uniting beyond, as they approached the concealed encampment of
the enemy. While passing the fort, the friendly Indians clambered the
palisades, and shouted out joyously to the soldiers "How-de-do,
brother--how-de-do, brother?"

The lines, meeting beyond the fort, formed for battle. No foe was
visible. Nearly a thousand warriors, some armed with arrows, but many
with rifles, were hidden, but a few rods before them, beneath the
curving bank, which was fringed with bushes. Major Russel, with a small
party, was sent cautiously forward to feel for the enemy, and to bring
on the battle. He was moving directly into