right
and to extend. Major Skinner commanded the 13th Battalion, and acted
throughout out very gallantly. The movement was admirably executed. The
York Rifles were on the left and No. 1 Company of the 13th Battalion on
the right of the line. A hearty cheer was given by the Queen's Own when
they saw the 13th advancing, who, with the company named, relieved
the Queen's Own, supported by the left wing of the reserve, which was
composed of the 13th Battalion. The Queen's Own then became the reserve.
The 13th and York Rifles in advance, driving the enemy before them
to the woods, cheered heartily and were answered by the yells of the
Fenians. I felt anxious about our right flank, as with my glass I
noticed the enemy throwing back his right into the woods. I requested
Major Gillmor, who was in command of the reserve, to keep a sharp
look-out for the cross roads on which the reserve rested, and to send
two companies from the reserve to occupy and hold the woods on the hill
to our right. He sent the Highland Company of the Queen's Own to perform
that duty.

At this time (nearly 9.30 a.m.) two telegrams were brought to me by a
gentleman from Port Colborne, one informing me that the column under
Col. Peacocke could not move until 7 o'clock, and the other in the
following words:

CHIPPAWA, June 2, 5.30 a.m.

_To the Officer Commanding, Port Colborne:_

Be cautious in feeling your way, for fear obstacles should prevent a
junction. If possible open communication with me, and I will do the
same.

(Signed) G. PEACOCKE.

At this unexpected information I was much disappointed. Major Gillmor
was then with me, and I showed it to him. I at once realized that the
force which I had expected about this hour at Stevensville could not
now render me assistance, and turning to Detective Armstrong (who
had accompanied us from Hamilton and obtained a horse at Ridgeway), I
desired him to convey to Col. Peacocke a message I wrote on the telegram
I had just received, to the effect that the enemy had attacked us in
force at 7.30, three miles south of Stevensville.

Immediately afterwards Major Gillmor reported that the Highland Company
had been compelled to leave the woods on our right, as they had found
the woods occupied by Fenians. Almost simultaneously cries of "Cavalry"
and "Look out for cavalry" came down the road. I then observed men
doubling down the hill. In the next few moments events succeeded each
other very rapidly. As the cry