Murphy, and Gen.

O'Reilly, were at Malone, N.Y., perfecting the military organization of the column which was intended to attack Cornwall.

These officers were all old soldiers, who had held commands in the United States service during the Civil War, and were well posted in the business they had on hand.
While the Fenian leaders were thus employed in getting their forces ready for the movement across the line, Major-General Geo.

Meade (the commander of the United States troops) was equally active and vigilant in his determined efforts to stop the promised invasion.

He ordered the seizure by the United States officials of all arms and ammunitions of war intended for use by the Fenians that could be located on American territory, and forbade the railways and other transportation companies from carrying further supplies of such material to the frontier.