The Indians numbered more than five hundred warriors, and when at a distance of about three hundred yards, firing was begun by them, and answered with telling effect by the military forces. While Indians advancing from the front were checked by the fire from the Gallagher rifles, both flanks advanced as if to hedge in and surround them. Over the hills from the west side of Horse creek poured dozens and hundreds of the shrieking demons, and an orderly retreat was taken to the wagons which in the meantime had been drawn up in a circle, and hastily constructed rifle pits made.

Here the Indians ceased and withdrew. Observing that they were indisposed to press the attack while the soldiers were behind defenses, and wishing to keep them engaged and at hand until reinforcements came, the officer in charge took fifty of the best mounted men and sallied out. When out about three miles they saw a

large force of Indians coming around the hills on the west side of Horse creek with the evident intention of cutting them off. Again the military retired to the entrenchments.

About nine o'clock, Captain Shuman arrived with forces from Fort Mitchell, and thus reinforced another attack was made upon the Indians, but it was a little late. The squaws and papooses had by this time all succeeded in crossing the river, and the warriors were following. The military could not follow, for it would be impracticable, and quite likely impossible to cross the river in the face of the superior number of Indians, at a time when the river was high. The loss was four killed, including Captain Fouts, and four wounded.