They made a reconnaissance nearly as far as Black Creek, and returned with the report that they had not observed any signs of the enemy between Chippawa and that point.

This was before Col.

Peacocke started on his march.

Why could it not have been possible for him to have moved a portion of his advance up by train as far as Black Creek, was a question that was prevalent at the time.
But Col.

Peacocke was not apparently taking any chances.