The War in the Northwest 253 



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 bet- 

 ter 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 backwoods- 

 men he suddenly raised the thrilling warcry, 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. 



Boone 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 excel- 

 lently 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 head- 

 strong 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 Boone. The ground was equally 

 favorable to both parties, the timber being open 



