The expedition moved in the month of July—­its destination well known—­and its march so well conducted that it approached its object without discovery.  From this circumstances, it would seem that the Indians were but little apprehensive of an invasion from those who had never before ventured on it, and whom they were in the habit of invading annually; or else so secure in their own courage that they feared no enemy, for no suspecting spy was out to foresee approaching danger.  Arrived within a short distance of the town, night approached, and Colonel Bowman halted.  Here it was determined to invest and attack the place just before the ensuing day, and several dispositions were then made very proper for the occasion, indicating a considerable share of military skill and caution, which gave reasonable promise of a successful issue.  At a proper hour the little army separated, after a movement that placed it near the town the one part, under the command of Bowman in person—­the other, under Captain Logan; to whom precise orders had been given to march, on the one hand, half round the town; while the Colonel, passing the other way, was to meet him, and give the signal for an assault.  Logan immediately executed his orders, and the place was half enveloped.  But he neither saw nor heard the commander-in-chief.  Logan now ordered his men to conceal themselves in the grass and weeds, and behind such other objects as were present, as the day began to show itself, and he had not yet received the expected order to begin the attack nor had he been able, though anxious, to ascertain what had intercepted or delayed his superior officer.  The men, on shifting about for hiding-places, had alarmed one of the Indians’ dogs, who forthwith set to barking with the agitation of apparent fright.  This brought out an Indian warrior, who proceeded with caution on the way that the dog seemed to direct his own attention, and in a short time, if he had continued his progress, might have been made a prisoner; but, at this critical moment, one of the party with the Colonel fired his gun; which the Indian, well understanding as coming from an enemy, gave an instantaneous and loud whoop, and ran immediately to his cabin.  The alarm was instantly spread through the town, and preparation made for defense.  The party with Logan was near enough to hear the bustle and to see the women and children escaping to the cover of the woods by a ridge which ran between them and where Colonel Bowman with his men had halted.

In the mean time, the warriors equipped themselves with their military habiliments, and repaired to a strong cabin; no doubt, designated in their councils for the like occurrences.  By this time daylight had disclosed the whole scene, and several shots were discharged on the one side, and returned from the other, while some of Logan’s men took possession of a few cabins, from which the Indians had retreated—­or rather perhaps it should be said, repaired to their