Each morning that dawned seemed to bring them nearer to that most appalling fate--butchery by a savage foe--and at night they scarcely dared yield to slumber, lest they should be aroused by the war-whoop and tomahawk.

Gloom and mistrust prevailed, and the want of unanimity among the officers debarred them the consolation they might have found in mutual sympathy and encouragement.
The Indians being assembled from the neighboring villages, a council was held with them on the afternoon of the 12th.

Captain Heald alone attended on the part of the military.

He requested his officers to accompany him, but they declined.

They had been secretly informed that it was the intention of the young chiefs to fall upon the officers and massacre them while in council, but they could not persuade Captain Heald of the truth of their information.