After proceeding about two miles the advance guard signalled indications of men moving in our front.

The column (say 840 of all ranks) was hereupon halted on the road.

I gave the horse on which I rode to the Orderly, in order that I might carefully examine with my field glass the country over which we were advancing.

Soon after I observed loose horses moving about in the woods to our left front, but saw no men.
Before ordering the advance, flanking parties were thrown out to scour the woods, right and left.

This duty was performed by companies of the Queen's Own.