In addition to these defences, several vessels of war were stationed in the river, and commanded the ground at the foot of the hill.

The garrison consisted of about six hundred men, commanded by Colonel Johnson.
General Wayne arrived about eight in the afternoon at Spring Steel's, one and a half miles from the fort; and made his dispositions for the assault.
[Sidenote: General Wayne surprises and takes Stony Point.] It was intended to attack the works on the right and left flanks at the same instant.

The regiments of Febiger and of Meigs, with Major Hull's detachment, formed the right column; and Butler's regiment, with two companies under Major Murfree, formed the left.

One hundred and fifty volunteers, led by Lieutenant Colonel Fleury and Major Posey, constituted the van of the right; and one hundred volunteers under Major Stewart, composed the van of the left.

At half past eleven the two columns moved to the assault, the van of each with unloaded muskets, and fixed bayonets.