O'Neil learned that two Canadian columns were being mobilized--one at Chippawa and the other at Port Colborne--and he resolved to make a quick dash on one of these before a junction could be effected between the two, counting upon a surprise and the prestige of his men as veteran soldiers to win a victory.

A council of war was therefore held by O'Neil and his officers, and it was resolved to make an advance immediately.
About 10 o'clock that night the men were aroused and commanded to "fall in" for the movement forward.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition which had been brought over for the use of the expected reinforcements was now found to be an impediment, and O'Neil decided to destroy them to prevent their falling into the hands of the Canadians.

Consequently hundreds of rifles and other munitions of war were burned or thrown into Frenchman's Creek before leaving their camp.
The Fenian column then started down the River Road towards Black Creek.
On arrival at a point near that stream they bivouacked by the roadside and awaited reports of scouts.

It was here that Gen.