In Kentucky, meanwhile, many of the people clamored against these measures, and loudly insisted that the war ought to be carried on by militia, to be commanded by an officer taken from their state.  It was believed, too, by the executive, that the British government, by retaining their posts within our limits, and by various other measures, at least countenanced the Indians in their hostilities.  That government took a more decisive measure early in the spring.  A British detachment from Detroit, advanced near fifty miles south of that place, and fortified themselves on the Miami of the lakes.  In one of the numerous skirmishes which took place between the savages and the advance of General Wayne, it was affirmed, that the British were mingled with the Indians.

On the 8th of August, 1794, General Wayne reached the confluence of the Au Glaize, and the Miami of the lakes.  The richest and most extensive settlements of the western Indians were at this place.  It was distant only about thirty miles from the post on the Miami, which the British; had recently occupied.  The whole strength of the enemy, amounting to nearly two thousand warriors, was collected in the vicinity of that post.  The regulars of General Wayne were not much inferior in numbers.  A reinforcement of one thousand one hundred mounted Kentucky militia, commanded by General Scott, gave a decided superiority to the American force.  The general was well aware that the enemy were ready to give him battle, and he ardently desired it.  But in pursuance of the settled policy of the United States, another effort was made for the attainment of peace, without the shedding of blood.  The savages were exhorted by those who were sent to them, no longer to follow the counsels of the bad men at the foot of the Rapids, who urged them on to the war, but had neither the power nor the inclination to protect them; that to listen to the propositions of the government of the United States, would restore them to their homes, and rescue them from famine.  To these propositions they returned only an evasive answer.

On the 20th of August, the army of General Wayne marched in columns.  A select battalion, under Major Price, moved as a reconnoitering force in front.  After marching five miles, he received so heavy a fire from the savages, concealed as usual, that he was compelled to retreat.  The savages had chosen their ground with great judgment.  They had moved into a thick wood, in advance of the British works, and had taken a position behind fallen timber, prostrated by a tornado.  This rendered their position almost inaccessible to horse.  They were formed in three regular lines, according to Indian custom, very much extended in front.  Their first effort was to turn the left flank of the American army.