came down the road, directions were given
the reserves on the road to "Form square." At this crisis the fire of
the enemy came heavily to our right flank, as well as into the front
and rear of our force in advance. I saw nothing to justify the first
impression that we were to be attacked by cavalry. I gave the word to
"Re-form column," with the view of deploying, when to my surprise I
found the rear of the reserve which had formed part of the square had
dissipated, and moving down the road. Major Gillmor came and reported to
me that the enemy was bringing up his reserves. I asked him how he knew.
He replied that he saw them himself. I then inquired, "In what shape?"
when he replied, "In column--in mass of column." I then ordered to
retire. But the confusion had become a panic. The Thirteenth did all
that men could do under the circumstances, and were the last in the
retreat, which became general.

Many men were trodden down. I endeavored to rally the retreating mass,
and gave orders to hold the woods on either side, and some little
distance down the road was assisted by Surgeon Ryall (of the Thirteenth)
and several men, but all of no avail. Bugler Clarke (of the Queen's Own)
sounded "the halt" at my request several times. The horse was brought
to me and I mounted and rode amongst the men. I entreated them to
rally, and implored them to halt, but without effect. If I could form at
Ridgeway I might refrain order. I there found Lieutenant Arthurs, of the
Queen's Own, and other officers, attempting to rally and form companies.
I called for "coverers" for the men to form. I was answered that the men
could not find their officers. I then ordered the men to fall in so as
to show a good front. The attempt was made, but without success, and
I ordered the retreat upon Port Colborne, towards which place many had
previously turned their steps. I requested a gentleman from Toronto
(Mr. George Arthurs), who was present at Ridgeway, and mounted, to ride
forward to Port Colborne and report that we were retiring, and to send
help down the road for the stragglers. I saw that the colors of the
Thirteenth were safe, and I moved off with the column. A short distance
from Ridgeway I dismounted and walked with a member of the Queen's Own
who was wounded, and kept the road afterwards for some time with him.
A volunteer rode the horse into Port Colborne, where we arrived, much
fatigued and distressed, at about 3 p.m. Nearly two miles from Port