Peacocke was just on the point of moving off to resume his march from New Germany when the Body Guard arrived, and that officer ordered Major Denison to lead the advance of the column.

Without dismounting, although the men and horses were both jaded and tired, they promptly spurred on to the front, and threw out scouts to the right and left.
Major Denison was restrained from pushing ahead too rapidly, as he was obliged to regulate his march by the pace of the infantry, and his men chafed with the tardiness, as they were all eager to get into a brush with the enemy.
After a march of about nine miles they arrived at Bowen's Farm, about three miles northwest of Fort Erie.

It was just getting dusk, and the troopers were approaching a piece of dense bush which flanked both sides of the road.

When within about 200 yards of the bush the advance files of the cavalry discovered some men in the road, and signalled back the information.

A halt was then ordered and Major Denison personally galloped forward, and on inquiry learned from his videttes that a force of the enemy were in front, and that several men had been observed going into the woods on the right.