The Sheriff of Florence immediately reported the news that "the French Army might be going to attack General Wilkinson" to Second Lieutenant Brandt, an officer in the state militia. Brandt hurriedly took several soldiers and followed the French from afar on horseback. Sure enough, after marching several miles along the Tennessee River, the French stopped and began crossing it.
Though he did not know the location of Wilkinson's legion, the French were clearly not heading toward Huntsville.
So, that very night, he dispatched men to Tupelo, Collins, and other places, trying to contact General Wilkinson there.
Second Lieutenant Brandt was quite lucky. Just two days later, on his way to Tupelo, he encountered American forces cavalry on patrol.
In the temporary American forces command post in Haleyville Village, Lieutenant Colonel Pike grew anxious as soon as he heard the cavalryman's report. "General, we should withdraw to Tupelo as soon as possible."
There was no cover whatsoever around the small village where they were currently stationed. If Napoleon's main force arrived, they could swiftly be surrounded and annihilated. Tupelo, however, had walls, watchtowers, and the like that had once been built to defend against Indians. Its supplies were also more abundant, making it better suited for a prolonged defense.
Wilkinson, however, frowned deeply and shook his head. "Do you remember why we came here? It was to hold Huntsville! If the French suddenly turn toward Huntsville now, our situation will become extremely passive."
Without realizing it, he had already changed the campaign objective from "blocking Napoleon's main force in Tennessee" to "preventing the situation from worsening further."
Cold sweat beaded on Pike's forehead. "But what if we are attacked again while marching...?"
Wilkinson stood before the map for a long while. At last, he clenched his fist hard. "We cannot let