He then formed a line of battle, facing the enemy.

His artillery, two batteries and two eighteen-pounder iron guns, drawn by oxen, were placed in position at intervals along the line.

A battalion was thrown to the rear, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Childs, of the artillery, as reserves.

These preparations completed, orders were given for a platoon of each company to stack arms and go to a stream off to the right of the command, to fill their canteens and also those of the rest of their respective companies.

When the men were all back in their places in line, the command to advance was given.