He had with him both the regiments of Horse Guards.

Much excitement was caused, in Marienburg, by the issue of an order that the cavalry, and a portion of the infantry, were to be ready to march at daylight; and by the arrival of a large number of peasants, brought in by small parties of the cavalry.

Many were the surmises as to the operation to be undertaken, its object being kept a strict secret.
Captain Jervoise's company was one of those in orders, and paraded at daybreak, and, after a march of some distance, the force joined that of Baron Spens.

The troops were halted in a wood, and ordered to light fires to cook food, and to prepare for a halt of some hours.

Great fires were soon blazing and, after eating their meal, most of the troops wrapped themselves in the blankets that they carried, in addition to their greatcoats, and lay down by the fires.
They slept until midnight, and were then called to arms again.