Battle report: "Conflict at Deer Run Creek" ...circa.1755 played 2/2003 NCHWS

For the last eight months the Shawnee have been raiding homesteads for livestock, burning crops and cabins and capturing children to replace those lost from their tribes. The British and colonials decided they would have to drive them out to make their settlements safe. Soon after the British and colonial forces past the last settllement that had not been burned frontiersmen clashed with French Courier de Bois at crossroads(A) [see map below]. Frontier rangers and militia proceeded on to the ford where they began to launch their canoes for the down stream advance on Killbuck's town. They were watched by Killbuck and his Shawnee  lurking in the last cornfield standing. These Huron then followed them on foot on the opposte shore of the river and attempted to turn back the flotilla with  rifle fire, but the colonials would not be disuaded.

At the farm along the main road Militia saw indians and formed to drive them(B) while the rest of the column proceded on the road through the heavy woods. Ambushes were sprung at C & D since the scouts seemed unable to spot the enemy first. Heavy losses to Rogers' Rangers and British Regulars resulted.

Right - British Regulars of the 49th Foot   are deployed along the road and are taking fire from Courier de Bois(French Rangers) in the woods. French Dragoons have lined up to threaten their flank.  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Left view from the French side - The Militia has driven indians thru a clearing and into the brush along Deer Run. On the right the British regulars are engaged in close range fire with <<<<<<<                    French forces.

Below - The rangers and militia have reached there destination and debarked near the indian town. Shawnees under Chief Thundercloud fire at them as they enter the woods.

On the British right militia continue to drive the indians who play a delaying action. The Huron allies of the French rout due to lost morale from losses. Chief Firehawk is killed and the Delaware rout as well. Finally the Potowatami led by Crazy Crow give way as well to superior numbers(F)  leaving only the French Regulars in the path of Killbuck's town.    On the Left the British regulars supported by militia begin to push back the Courier de Bois (E) while at the same time the rangers and militia are locked in melee with indians and French Dragoons in their rear. These colonial forces break and rout back into the swamp where they are cut down by pursuing Shawnee led by Killbuck himself.

Militia and the remaining rangers are hit front and rear by the French forces and routed. Indians returning from across the river pursue the running colonials and take many scalps.

Finally the colonials so weakend by accurate fire and melee are forced to retire having lost over 50% of their strength killed, wounded, or missing (550 men) and ammunition was almost spent. The French forces have lost 35% (330 men) of their strength defending Killbuck's town and discouraging colonial expansion.

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G         F   E     D C     B        A

<  Initial deployment of French (b) & Indian(g) and British &Colonial forces(r).  British advances and clashes in yellowX's.Dotted  line showsretreats.>