He and three other men were trapping on Sulphur Fork and Red River, in the great bend of the Cumberland.

Moving their camp, they came on recent traces of Indians: deer-carcases and wicker frames for stretching hides.

They feared to tarry longer unless they knew something of their foes, and Mansker set forth to explore, and turned towards Red River, where, from the sign, he thought to find the camp.

Travelling some twenty miles, he perceived by the sycamore trees in view that he was near the river.

Advancing a few steps farther he suddenly found himself within eighty or ninety yards of the camp.