Save his own company and some fifty of the provincials in the boats ahead, the whole of Colonel Parker's force had been killed, or were prisoners in the hands of the Indians, who, having finished their work, set off in pursuit of the boats which had escaped them.
James at once changed the order.

The front boat was halted, and the others formed in a line beside it, presenting the broad side to the approaching fleet of canoes.

When the latter came within a hundred yards, a stream of fire opened from the boats, the men aiming with the greatest coolness.
The canoes were checked at once.

A score of the paddlers had sunk, killed or wounded, into the bottom, and several of the frail barks were upset.

As fast as the men could load, they continued their fire, and, in two minutes from the first shot, the canoes were turned, and paddled at full speed towards the shore, pursued by a hearty cheer from the English.