He marched down to the French Broad, but could hear nothing of Campbell.

He was on the great war trace of the southern Indians, and his scouts speedily brought him word that they had exchanged shots with a Cherokee war party, on its way to the settlements, and not far distant on the other side of the river.

He instantly crossed, and made a swift march towards the would-be marauders, camping on Boyd's Creek.

The scouts were out by sunrise next morning--December 16th,--and speedily found the Indian encampment, which the warriors had just left.

On receipt of the news Sevier ordered the scouts to run on, attack the Indians, and then instantly retreat, so as to draw them into an ambuscade.