At most, the Red Stick force consists of four thousand warriors, possessing perhaps a thousand muskets.

They have never been involved in a large-scale war, not even against neighboring tribes.

Many Creek have tried to remain friendly to the United States; but, after Fort Mims, few Euro-Americans in the southeast distinguish between friendly and unfriendly Creeks.

The Holy Ground (Econochaca), located near the junction of the Alabama and Coosa Rivers, is the heart of the Red Stick Confederation.

It is about one hundred and fifty miles (two hundred and forty kilometers) from the nearest supply point available to any of the three American armies.

The easiest attack route is from Georgia through the line of forts on the frontier, then along a good road that leads to the Upper Creek towns near the Holy Ground, including nearby Hickory Ground.

Another route is north from Mobile along the Alabama River.

Jackson's route of advance is south from Tennessee through a mountainous and pathless terrain.

General Claiborne, ordered to lay waste Creek property near junction of Alabama and Tombigbee, advances from Fort St. Stephen.

He achieves some destruction but no military engagement.

Continuing to a point about eighty-five miles (one hundred and forty kilometers) north of Fort Stoddert, Claiborne establishes Fort Claiborne.

On December 23, he encounters a small force at the Holy Ground and burns two hundred and sixty houses.

William Weatherford is nearly captured during this engagement but is able to escape.

Casualties for the Mississippian's are one killed and six wounded.

Thirty Creek soldiers are killed in the engagement.

Because of supply shortages, Claiborne withdraws to Fort St. Stephens.