Sandusky, where, as had been anticipated, they found the Indians assembled
in full force at their encampment, prepared to receive an attack.

As Col. Crawford and his brave band advanced, and when they had got within
a short distance from the town, they were met by a white man, with a flag
of truce from the Indians, who proposed to Col. Crawford that if he would
surrender himself and his men to the Indians, their lives should be
spared; but, that if they persisted in their undertaking, and attacked the
town, they should all be massacred to a man.

Crawford, while hearing the proposition, attentively surveyed its bearer,
and recognized in his features one of his former schoolmates and
companions, with whom he was perfectly acquainted, by the name of Simon
Gurty. Gurty, but a short time before this, had been a soldier in the
American army, in the same regiment with Crawford; but on the account of
his not having received the promotion that he expected, he became
disaffected--swore an eternal war with his countrymen, fled to the
Indians, and joined them, as a leader well qualified to conduct them to
where they could satiate their thirst for blood, upon the innocent,
unoffending and defenceless settlers.

Crawford sternly inquired of the traitor if his name was not Simon Gurty;
and being answered in the affirmative, he informed him that he despised
the offer which he had made; and that he would not surrender his army
unless he should be compelled to do so, by a superior force.

Gurty returned, and Crawford immediately commenced an engagement that
lasted till night, without the appearance of victory on either side, when
the firing ceased, and the combatants on both sides retired to take
refreshment, and to rest through the night. Crawford encamped in the woods