[2] Tuanku Antah mobilised 4,000 soldiers in preparation for the oncoming British invasion, and was helped by several others: Datuk Siamang Gagap, the Tunku Besar of Tampin, and the people of Rembau, Jelebu, and Johol.
The British Resident then requested help from the Straits Settlements, who sent 20 soldiers led by Lieutenant Peyton from Malacca, while Hinxman and his troops immediately dug trenches and fortified their compound, due to uprisings.
After an hour-long shootout, Hinxman and Peyton advanced through a swamp to destroy Tuanku Antah's fort, but they were not able to find him, and Tunku Laksamana took his place to govern Seri Menanti.
He later led his troops through Langkap into Bukit Putus, where his forces defeated more of Tuanku Antah's soldiers, and advanced on to Seri Menanti.
Notified of the British approaching to his capital, Tuanku Antah fled with his family to Johor, where they came under the protection of Sultan Abu Bakar.
In May 1876, Tuanku Antah arranged a meeting with the four Undangs of Negeri Sembilan between them and William Jervois, the Governor of Singapore.