"I examined the ground adjacent to my post very particularly. There was a small thicket of willows, on a stream of water, about two rods in front of my post, and high grass between me and the willows--I observed it to be a favorable place for the approach of Indians and determined to be on the alert. Capt. Barton's Company were a few feet higher, and between us there were logs and some small bushes. I was relieved off post about 10 o'clock--At 3 o'clock I again took post; very dark, and rainy. I had resumed my station about half an hour, when I heard a faint whistle, not far from Wm. Brown's post, as I supposed--he called to me; but I did not think it prudent to answer--however, after he had called several times, I answered "holloa"--says he, "look sharp"--[the usual word of _caution_ between sentinels]--I kneeled down, with my gun on a charge. It was so very dark that no object could be discerned within three feet of me, and I could hear nothing except the rustling noise occasioned by the falling rain among the bushes. At this time, Brown, (being much alarmed) very imprudently left his post, and came towards me. I heard light footsteps--presented my gun, and should have fired upon him had he not that moment spoke, much agitated--"Brigham, let us fire and run in--you may depend on it there are Indians in the bushes." I told him not to fire yet for fear we should give a false alarm.--While we were standing together, something struck in the brush near us, (I suppose an arrow)--we were both frightened and run in without firing--the Indians close upon our heels--we passed swiftly by Capt. Bartons's tents--I soon afterwards fell into Capt. Wilson's Company of militia, where I received a wound which broke my right arm." Had this attack been delayed but ten minutes longer, the troops would have been formed in line of battle, and in readiness to receive it.--The General had arisen but a few moments previous to its commencement, and in four minutes more would have ordered the usual signal (three taps of the drum) to be given for the troops to rise and stand to their arms. The orderly Musician at the same time stood in readiness for that purpose, awaiting the orders of the General.--Some of the troops were up, and sitting by the fires; many of which had been furnished with fresh fuel, and the light arising from them, must have afforded the Indians a pretty correct view of our situation, and of the most proper place to make their assault. Every exertion was made to extinguish these fires the moment the attack commenced, which could not be but imperfectly accomplished, as the Indian marksmen were sure to pick off whoever approached them.