Considering the distance, and the difficulties of traveling at that time, intelligence of the disaster which had befallen his Indian friends was very rapidly conveyed to Governor Simcoe at Niagara, and by him communicated to Captain Brant in the following letter:—
"Governor Simcoe to Captain Brant.
"Navy Hall, 28th August, 1794.
"Dear Sir,
"I understand that the Indians and Wayne had an action on the 20th near McCormack's; that the Indians, who amounted to nine hundred, retreated with the loss of some principal chiefs of the Hurons, Ottawas, and Shawanese; a deserter reports that the Americans lost an hundred men.
"The Wyandots, and a friend [FN] of your's, most gallantly covered the retreat."
[FN] Although the fact does not appear, yet it is believed that a goodly number of the Mohawk warriors were in the battle against Wayne, and Brant was likewise to have been in the field with them. Several years afterward, Brant stated these facts in a conversation with the venerable Jacob Snell, Esq. yet living (1837) in Palatine. The Chief stated to Mr. Snell that he obtained the ammunition used by the Indians, himself, at Quebec, and that he should have led his Mohawks in person but was detained by sickness.
"The Indians having retreated to the Miami Bay, Major Campbell was summoned to deliver the post, which of course he refused, and reports that he considered it tenable against Wayne's force.
"The Indians having placed their women and children in safety, have again moved forward to an advantageous position, I imagine Swan Creek, where they wait for reinforcements, and I hope will recover their spirits.