He had raised a substantial company of militia in Georgia, and had made his way into the Mississippi Territory (in what is today central Alabama) in response to increased tensions between white settlers and Creek factions.

First, Floyd discovered a second, smaller Red Stick town, Tallasee,[3] forcing him to order the company to spread out thinner than originally planned.

Also, a western escape route could not be blocked by McIntosh (as ordered by Floyd) because he and his men could not cross the deep, freezing cold Tallapoosa River.

Lastly—but most critically—a Red Stick hunter had spotted them and warned the town, allowing the inhabitants time to both evacuate the women and children; and to send out runners to call for help from nearby settlements.

Upon their arrival at the fort, the militia regrouped for two months and prepared for another offensive that resulted in the Battle of Calebee Creek in late January 1814.