All day the rifle-fire was continued by both sides. Several of the Americans received serious wounds, and a number of the enemy were killed.
On the morning of the thirtieth, the condition of affairs was much the same. Within the fort, the grand traverse was nearing completion; and the British were placing their heavy siege guns in position on the opposite shore.
The Americans were well supplied with food, but they suffered much from want of water. They were digging a well within the inclosure; but, in the meantime, they had to procure their supply from the river at night—a hazardous proceeding.
On the following day, the British had a number of their cannon in position, and began a bombardment. The Americans returned shot for shot; and a number of men were killed upon each side.
For the next four days there was little change in the situation. Both armies were on the alert to take an advantage of the other, but none offered. General Harrison had removed all his tents and paraphernalia behind the traverses; and the enemy had nothing to shoot at but the bare earthen walls. The soldiers within the fort and the savages without kept up an incessant rifle-fire; and the great guns on both sides thundered. But the American commander’s supply of shot and shell was running short.
Apparently, the enemy had abandoned all idea of storming the fort and had settled down to take it by siege.
