ds, in the midst of an
extensive plain. The battle was then begun by a heavy fire from both
sides, and the savages prevented gaining possession of the woods. A
party of them having however, taken post in them before the whites
came up, continued much to annoy the troops, until some of them,
alighting from their horses, bravely rushed forward and dislodged
them. The Indians then attempted to gain a small skirt of wood on
Colonel Crawford's right; but the vigilance of the commanding officer
of the right wing, (Major Leet) detected the movement, and the bravery
of his men defeated it. The action now became general and severe and
was warmly contested until dark, when it ceased for a time without
having been productive of much advantage to either side. During the
night, both armies lay on their arms; adopting the wise policy of
kindling large fires along the line of battle, and retreating some
distance behind them, to prevent being surprised by a night attack.

Early in the morning a few shots were fired, but at too great distance
for execution. The Indians were hourly receiving reinforcements, and
seemed busily engaged in active preparations for a decisive
conflict. The whites became uneasy at their increasing strength;
and a council of the officers deemed it expedient to retreat. As it
would be difficult to effect this in open day, in the presence of
an enemy of superior force, it was resolved to postpone it until
night, making in the mean time every arrangement to ensure its
success.--The killed were buried, and fires burned over the graves
to prevent discovery,--litters were made for bearing the wounded, and
the army was formed into three lines with them in the centre.

[242] The day passed, without an attack being made by the Indians.
They were still seen to traverse the plains in every direction, and in
large bodies; and not until the troops were about forming the line of
retreat, did they seem to have any idea that such a movement was
intended. They then commenced firing a few shots, and in a little
while it became apparent that they had occupied every pass, leaving
open only that which led to Sandusky. Along this way, the guides
conducted the main army, until they had passed the Indian lines about
a mile; when wheeling to the left, they marched round and gained the
trail of their outward march. Continuing in this they proceeded to the
settlements without any interruption.--The savage warriors thinking it
better to