Patriots established a small camp here on February 26. That evening, loyalist emissary James Hepburn visited under a flag of truce, but the patriots refused the chance to lay down their arms. Hepburn then reported to loyalist leaders that the patriots were few in number and camped with their backs to Moores Creek. Just before daybreak, loyalist troops arrived to find glowing campfires but an empty camp, unaware that combined patriot forces were hidden beyond the creek in ambush. McLeod's highlanders then mustered near the bridge to the cry of “King George and broadswords” and, with three cheers, began crossing Moores Creek bridge despite the removal of its deck timbers to hinder their advance.