There could be no earthly doubt of the fact that the Iroquois and some Tories were ambushed on the far side of the creek.

Possibly Thayendanegea himself, stung by the burning of Oghwaga and the advance on Cunahunta, was there.

But they were sure that it was not a large band.
The party of Henry and Heemskerk numbered fourteen, but every one was a veteran, full of courage, tenacity, and all the skill of the woods.
They had supreme confidence in their ability to beat the best of the Iroquois, man for man, and they carried the very finest arms known to the time.
It was decided that four of the men should remain on the hill.

The others, including the five, Heemskerk, and Taylor, would make a circuit, cross the creek a full mile above, and come down on the flank of the ambushing party.

Theirs would be the main attack, but it would be preceded by sharpshooting from the four, intended to absorb the attention of the Iroquois.