The Indians lost many of their leaders in this fight and those
remaining lost their enthusiasm with the British betrayal.
Facing a well-trained and disciplined force, something the
Indians never before experienced, they withdrew when
overwhelmed. Chased by mounted soldiers, who struck them down
with sabers, the retreat became a rout. When the British troops
at Fort Miamis closed the gates, literally in their faces, their
morale collapsed. I previously mentioned the desire for peace by
Little Turtle before the battle; he did not counsel peace alone.
American renegades and Loyalists persuaded many reluctant
Indians into engaging the Americans in combat. Particularly the
previously mentioned Alexander McKee, who tried rallying the
defeated Indians behind Fort Miamis. This lasted only a few
minutes as they broke again and headed for their families camped
some distance away. A week after the battle McKee tried rallying
them with the uncorroborated story of the American troops
desecrating the Indian graves. This po