noon
We found it in the utmost confusion . At five o'clock on the morning after the battle , a teamster , who had cut loose his horse and fled at the first onset , had ridden madly into the camp crying that the whole army was destroyed and he alone survived . At his heels came other teamsters , for with an appalling cowardice , which makes me blush for my countrymen , they had one and all cut loose their teams at the first fire , and selecting the best horse , had fled precipitately from the field . Toward noon , Colonel Washington had arrived , bringing the first accurate news of the disaster , and at once setting on foot the relief expedition . After him came troops of haggard , toil-worn , famished men , without arms , bewildered with terror , fearing a second ambuscade at every step , and with the yells of the Indians still ringing in their ears . The news of the disaster and the incoherent stories of these half-crazed fugitives spread consternation through the camp . Men deserted by scores and started hot-foot for the settlements , and all pretense of discipline vanished .