On the British side of the river, a plain sloped gradually down to the southern bank from a distance of two or three miles.

It was divided north and south by a slight swell in the ground, flat-topped, of height just sufficient to conceal men on one side of it from those {p.225} on the other.

On the eastern edge of this rise, the railroad track ran north to the bridge.

On the western side, and between 3000 and 4000 yards from Wylie, was placed the chief naval battery, the two 4.7-inch and four 12-pounders.
Between these and the railroad was to advance the central column of attack, the 2nd Brigade under General Hildyard.

To the left rear of this, between it and the 5th Brigade--which, as before said, was directed upon the Bridle Drift--was placed the 4th, under Major General Lyttelton, charged with the duty of reinforcing either the 2nd or the 5th, as circumstances might demand during the progress of the fight.