62 THE BATTLE OF BUSHY RUN. [1763, Aug. 



yelling resounded on every side, were concealed by 

 the thick forest, yet no man lost his composure ; 

 and all displayed a steadiness which nothing but 

 implicit confidence in their commander could have 

 inspired. And now ensued a combat of a nature 

 most harassing and discouraging. Again and 

 again, now on this side and now on that, a crowd 

 of Indians rushed up, pouring in a heavy fire, and 

 striving, with furious outcries, to break into the 

 circle. A well-directed volley met them, followed 

 by a steady charge of the bayonet. They never 

 waited an instant to receive the attack, but, leaping 

 backwards from tree to tree, soon vanished from 

 sight, only to renew their attack with unabated 

 ferocity in another quarter. Such was their activity, 

 that very few of them were hurt ; while the British, 

 less expert in bush-fighting, suffered severely. 

 Thus the fight went on, without intermission, for 

 seven hours, until the forest grew dark with 

 approaching night. Upon this, the Indians grad- 

 ually slackened their fire, and the exhausted sol- 

 diers found time to rest. 



It was impossible to change their ground in the 

 enemy's presence, and the troops were obliged to 

 encamp upon the hill where the combat had taken 

 place, though not a drop of water was to be found 

 there. Fearing a night attack. Bouquet stationed 

 numerous sentinels and outposts to guard against 

 it ; while the men lay down upon their arms, pre- 

 serving the order they had maintained during the 

 fight. Having completed the necessary arrange- 

 ments. Bouquet, doubtful of surviving the battle 



