from the Indians, and were less rash in consequence; while many of the Lincoln men were hot for instant battle.] Todd and Trigg both agreed with him, and so did many of the cooler riflemen—­among others a man named Netherland, whose caution caused the young hotheads to jeer at him as a coward.  But the decision was not suffered to rest with the three colonels who nominally commanded.  Doubtless the council was hasty and tumultuous, being held by the officers in the open, closely pressed upon, and surrounded by a throng of eager, unruly soldiers, who did not hesitate to offer advice or express dissatisfaction.  Many of the more headlong and impatient among the bold spirits looking on desired instant action; and these found a sudden leader in Major Hugh McGarry.  He was a man utterly unsuited to command of any kind; and his retention in office after repeated acts of violence and insubordination shows the inherent weakness of the frontier militia system.  He not only chafed at control, but he absolutely refused to submit to it; and his courage was of a kind better fitted to lead him into a fight than to make him bear himself well after it was begun.  He wished no delay, and was greatly angered at the decision of the council; nor did he hesitate to at once appeal therefrom.  Turning to the crowd of backwoodsmen he suddenly raised the thrilling war-cry, and spurred his horse into the stream, waving his hat over his head and calling on all who were not cowards to follow him.  The effect was electrical.  In an instant all the hunter-soldiers plunged in after him with a shout, and splashed across the ford of the shallow river in huddled confusion.

Boon and Todd had nothing to do but follow.  On the other side they got the men into order, and led them on, the only thing that was possible under the circumstances.  These two leaders acted excellently throughout; and they now did their best to bring the men with honor through the disaster into which they had been plunged by their own headstrong folly.

As the Indians were immediately ahead, the array of battle was at once formed.  The troops spread out into a single line.  The right was led by Trigg, the centre by Colonel-Commandant Todd in person, with McGarry under him, and an advance guard of twenty-five men under Harlan in front; while the left was under Boon.  The ground was equally favorable to both parties, the timber being open and good. [Footnote:  Levi Todd’s letter, Aug. 26, 1782.] But the Indians had the advantage in numbers, and were able to outflank the whites.

In a minute the spies brought word that the enemy were close in front. [Footnote:  It is absolutely erroneous to paint the battle as in any way a surprise.  Boon says:  “We discovered the enemy lying in wait for us; on this discovery we formed our columns into a single line, and marched up in their front.”  There was no ambush, except that of course the Indians, as usual, sheltered themselves behind trees or in the