As soon as he reached this point, he set his band to work to destroy the bridge.

As groups of peasants came flocking along, and saw what was intended, they at once joined in the work.
As soon at it was done, Leigh led them to the spot where the forest began, some thirty yards up the hill, and set them to fell trees.
This was work to which all were accustomed and, as many of them carried axes, the trees nearest to the road were felled to fall across it; while on each side facing the stream, they were cut so as to fall down the slope, and so form an abattis.
Before the work was finished, to a distance of two or three hundred yards on each side of the road, several hundred peasants had come up.

Of these, about a third were armed with muskets.

Seeing the advantage of the position; and that, in case it was forced, the forest offered them a means of retreat, all prepared for a desperate resistance.

The men with firearms were placed in the front rank.