[1]: 93  Newly appointed commander of the group, John Floyd made clear his goal to push his column not rapidly, but resistlessly so as to establish a permanent wedge Creek country.

[3] In the end, two offensives were launched into Creek territory in today-eastern Alabama, the first of which resulted in the Battle of Autossee in November 1813, where 900 of his men killed 200 natives and burned the town to ashes.

[2]: 301–2 Paddy Walsh and William Weatherford (Red Eagle) were aware of Floyd's approach, gathering 1,800 Creek warriors at a council in preparation to repel the invaders.

[4] At the break of dawn on January 27, 1814, 1,300 Creek successfully sneaked past surrounding campfires where they fell on Floyd and his militia from three sides[5] after having lain concealed in the swamps until half after five.

[3] Thanks to this quick action which salvaged the artillery and that of Timpoochee Barnard to rescue a group led by Captain John H. Broadnax cut off from the main force, after a week's pause, Floyd was able to defend until break of day, when he ordered a countercharge with bayonet.

[2]: 306 Red Sticks began to concentrate their forces in a heavily fortified area on the Tallapoosa River, 40 miles (64 km) north of Autossee, setting the stage for the decisive Battle of Horseshoe Bend.