Owing to lack of railway transport these troops were unable to leave Fort Brie until 10.30 the following morning, when 800 men were despatched to London by the Erie & Niagara and Great Western Railways, via Clifton and Hamilton.
At 1.30 a.m.of June 5th, the Queen's Own and the York and Caledonia Rifles were quietly aroused and ordered to strike tents, parade, and entrain on cars which were in waiting to convey them to Stratford.

The work of packing up was quickly accomplished, and at 6 o 'clock the train left Fort Erie for its destination, the troops being accompanied by Col.
Garnet S.Wolseley, A.Q.M.G., of Her Majesty's Forces.

They arrived at Stratford at 5 p.m., and were immediately billetted among the citizens.
At this time it was feared that the Fenians contemplated an attack on the frontier of the western portion of the Province, and it was deemed advisable to have a sufficient force mustered at a convenient point, to be available in case of emergency.

The force collected at Stratford consisted of Capt.

Gore's Battery of Royal Artillery, two companies of H.M.16th Regiment, the Queen's Own and the York and Caledonia Rifles, the whole being under command of Col.