I thought best to distribute as much spare ammunition amongst the men as possible, and requested those who could do so to carry an extra ten rounds in their pockets.

At this time it was reported to me that the Caledonia Rifle Company had no percussion caps, and but few rounds of cartridge.
I supplied them from the spare ammunition of the 13th Battalion.

I endeavored to procure a horse or team for my medical officers' stores, but without success, and failing means of transport, I returned tents and blankets to Port Colborne, relieving the cars from further waiting at Ridgeway.
After a little delay I requested Major Gillmor (as the Queen's Own was the senior battalion) to take the lead of the column, and as one of his companies was armed with the Spencer repeating rifle, that it should form the advance guard.
When the battalions were proved, and before forming the advance guard.
I gave the order to the column, "With ball cartridge--load." I made inquiries from the inhabitants as to their knowledge of the whereabouts of the enemy.

The reports were contradictory and evidently unreliable.
To take proper precaution and keep my appointment at Stevensville was my obvious duty.
The column of route was formed as follows: Advance guard of Queen's Own; remainder of the battalion, Major Gillmor commanding; York Rifles.
Captain Davis; the 13th Battalion, Major Skinner in command; the Caledonia Rifles (Captain Jackson), forming the rear guard.

On the advance I was in the centre of the column, looking out for signs of the enemy.