On September 9th they were within thirty miles of their destination, and halted to send out scouts.

Two prisoners were captured, from whom it was learned that Clark had abandoned his proposed expedition.

[Footnote: Haldimand MSS.
Captain A.Thompson to De Peyster, September 26, 1781.] Instantly the Indians began to disband, some returning to their homes, and others scattering out to steal horses and burn isolated cabins.

Nor could the utmost efforts of their leaders keep them together.

They had no wish to fight Clark unless it was absolutely necessary, in order to save their villages and crops from destruction; and they much preferred plundering on their own account.