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tod the Mohawks, receiving intelligence of their ap-
proach, prepared to receive them. Ghickatawbut at
length reached one of the Mohawk forts, and immediately
invested it with his whole force. But instead of an im-
mediate assault, by which alone there was a probability
of carrying the place, he opened a scattering fire of mus-
ketry, with which it appears a part of his men were armed,
and thus continued the seige several days ; during which
the Mohawks made a sortie, and after a severe conflict
were beaten back. The ammunition and provisions of the
besiegers being nearly expended, and the Mohawks con-
tinuing their defence with great resolution, Ghickatawbut
drew off his forces, and commenced his retreat towards
New England. The Mohawks observing his movements,
left their fort, and by a detour, gained the front of their
enemy, and planted an ambuscade at a defile formed by
a thick set swamp, where they made a sudden and unex-
pected attack on their retreating foes. The battle was
furious and bloody ; the New England Indians, rushing
into the thickets, fought desperately, but were finally
beaten with the loss of about fifty, including many of their
chiefs, among whom was Ghickatawbut, the commander.
Night coming on, the Mohawks returned to their fort,
and left their enemy to continue their route home, where
they at length arrived, much depressed at their ill suc-
cess.
