the flag was lowered at the fort for the final time on august 8, 1760, and the garrison set out for fort prince george the following day. they camped for the night at the mouth of cane creek, along the tellico river near modern tellico plains. on the morning of august 10, some 700 cherokees suddenly attacked the camp. the garrison briefly returned fire before surrendering. in the melee, three officers, twenty-three privates, and three women were killed. demeré was reportedly forced to dance, and had dirt stuffed in his mouth before he was executed. stuart, the only officer to survive the assault, was ransomed by attakullakulla. the remaining garrison and their families were taken captive. most were ransomed in the ensuing months.