"Learning that Gen. Herkimer was approaching to the relief of the
garrison, and not being disposed to receive him in his camp, St. Leger
detached a body of Indians and tories, under Brant and Col. Butler, to
watch his approach, and to intercept, if possible, his march. The
surrounding country afforded every facility for the practice of the
Indian mode of warfare. In the deep recesses of its forests they were
secure from observation, and to them they could retreat in case they
were defeated. Finding that the militia approached in a very careless
manner, Butler determined to attack them by surprise. He selected a
place well fitted for such an attack. A few miles from the fort there
was a deep ravine sweeping toward the east in a semicircular form, and
having a northern and southern direction. The bottom of this ravine was
marshy, and the road along which the militia were marching crossed it by
means of a log causeway. The ground thus partly enclosed by the ravine
was elevated and level. Along the road, on each side of this height of
land, Butler disposed his men.

"About ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of August, 1777, the Tryon
County militia arrived at this place without any suspicions of danger.
The dark foliage of the forest trees, with a thick growth of underbrush,
entirely concealed the enemy from their view. The advanced guard, with
about two-thirds of the whole force, had gained the elevated ground, the
baggage-wagons had descended into the ravine--Col. Fisher's regiment was
still on the east side--when the Indians arose, and with a dreadful yell
poured a destructive fire upon them. The advanced guard was entirely cut
off. Those who survived the first fire were immediately cut down with
the tomahawk. The horror of the scene was increased by the personal
appearance of the savages, who were almost naked and painted in a most
hideous manner. They ran down each side, keeping up a constant fire, and
united at the causeway; thus dividing the militia into two bodies. The