Among the first to cross was Netherland, whose cautious advice had been laughed at before the battle.

No sooner had he reached the south bank, than he reined up his horse and leaped off, calling on his comrades to stop and cover the flight of the others; and most of them obeyed him.

The ford was choked with a struggling mass of horsemen and footmen, fleeing whites and following Indians.

Netherland and his companions opened a brisk fire upon the latter, forcing them to withdraw for a moment and let the remainder of the fugitives cross in safety.

Then the flight began again.