Spier led his advance guard across the frontier into St.
Armands, where he established his camp and set up his headquarters at Pigeon Hill, from the summit of which he flaunted a large green flag.
There were about 1,000 men in this brigade, which was officered by several old soldiers who had achieved distinction in the American Civil War, among whom were Gen.

Mahon, of the 9th Massachusetts, Col.

Coutri, and others of prominence.
The only Canadian force in the vicinity of St.Armands was composed of three companies of infantry, consisting of nine officers and about 100 non-commissioned officers and men, the whole being under command of Capt.

W.Carter, of H.M.16th Regiment.

These troops were all raw volunteers, who were very deficient in drill or military experience, some of whom had never handled a rifle before, but all were willing and anxious to contest Gen.