Although he considered the information unreliable, still he resolved to be prudent, and keep a sharp lookout for "breakers ahead." The usual military precautions which govern an advance into a hostile country were taken by him, and the advance guard and commanding officers warned to be on the alert.
The Queen's Own Rifles, under command of Major Charles T.Gillmor, led the van, followed by the York Rifle Company (Capt.

Davis), the Thirteenth Battalion, under command of Major Skinner, and the Caledonia Rifle Company, under Capt.

Jackson, in the order named.No.5 Company of the Queen's Own (who were armed with Spencer repeating rifles) formed the advance guard, and the Caledonia Rifles the rear guard.
After proceeding about two miles along the Ridge Road the advance guard signalled back the intelligence that there were indications of the enemy in front.

The column was then halted on the road, and flanking parties were detailed to scour the woods to the right and left.

Proceeding a little further it became apparent that the Fenians were in position about half a mile north of the Garrison Road.
As the Canadian troops carefully moved forward, the advance guard (No.
5 Co., Q.O.R.), extended from its centre, with No.