Their skirmishers were about 150 in number, and their supports and reserves (amounting to about 300 or 400 more) were stationed a short distance in the rear.
The Huntingdon Borderers formed the Canadian advance guard, and as soon as they had approached within about 300 yards of the Fenian position, were deployed in skirmishing order, and advanced with great gallantry.
The centre support was composed of one company of the 69th Regiment, under Capt.

Mansfield and Lieut.Atcheson.The remainder of the 69th, under Major Smythe, was drawn up in quarter distance column as a reserve.

One company of the Montreal Garrison Artillery (under Capt.
Doucet) marched across the bridge and along the road on the left, and afterwards took part in the engagement with those who had been sent in the opposite direction further back, to prevent a flanking movement from either side.

The remainder of the Artillery and Engineers, under Capt.
Hall, marched to the front as a reserve, but afterwards returned to Holbrook Bridge, which it was feared the Fenians might attempt to capture, and advance along the south side of the river.

The skirmish line advanced with great steadiness against the enemy behind the entrenchments.